Aug 19, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If the Orioles are going to make a push for the playoffs in this final month or so of the season, they are gonna have to win a bunch of games. That means beating solid teams like these Cardinals on the road. It’s not gonna be easy.
It’s a left-handed starter on the mound for St. Louis, Matthew Liberatore. That might be good news for the Orioles. They have been much improved against southpaws in recent months. As usual, Coby Mayo takes a prominent spot in the lineup, batting clean-up. He has a 1.105 OPS against lefties this year and has been pretty darn good overall in the second half, owning an .854 OPS since the all-star break.
Chris Bassitt will look to make it a third straight decent start since being activated from the IL. He has given up five runs over 11 innings since he returned from his back problems. After the off day on Monday the entire Orioles bullpen should be available, but it would still be nice to see Bassitt go a bit deeper here.
Let’s start this nine-game road trip on a high note!
Miguel Vargas has posted a 1.253 OPS with four doubles and five homers over the past 15 days. | (Isaac Wasserman/Getty Images)
A blowout loss is a tough way to start a series at home in a playoff race, but the South Siders hope to flush Monday’s game and come out strong behind Anthony Kay today. After defeating the Sox yesterday, the Rangers now hold a half-game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West, while Chicago’s lead in the AL Central has shrunk to just 2 1/2 games over the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians have rebounded from their rough stretch, winning seven of their last 10 and riding a five-game winning streak after defeating the Los Angeles Angels yesterday. The Angels, of course, had opportunities to come back but naturally didn’t.
The South Siders are 5-5 in their last 10, and the offense has been struggling as a whole lately, basically living and dying by the long ball as we’ve seen in the last several games. In August, the White Sox are hitting just .208 with runners in scoring position as a team — the second-worst average in baseball over that stretch — while also racking up the most strikeouts (70). It also probably doesn’t help that both Colson Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami are building Strikeout City from the ground up, with Colson leading MLB in Ks over the last two weeks (24 in 51 ABs) and Mune’s 21 ranking third in baseball. Woof.
With both the rotation and bullpen continuing to struggle, the pitching staff took another hit when the White Sox announced that Huascar Brazobán is headed to the IL with a left lat strain. Righthander Jonathan Cannon is being called up from Triple-A Charlotte to help fill the hole. Jonathan Cannon is most certainly not the answer, but at this point, the front office seems ready to try anything.
Prior to tonight’s game vs. Texas, the Chicago White Sox placed right-handed pitcher Huáscar Brazobán on the 15-day injured list with a left lat strain and recalled right-handed pitcher Jonathan Cannon from Class AAA Charlotte.
The only other roster update for today is that our sweet (mostly) clutch Andrew Benintendi has been placed on the bereavement list, and Rikuu Nishida will rejoin the team in his absence. We send our thoughts to Andrew and his family during this time.
Prior to tonight’s game vs. Texas, the Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Andrew Benintendi on the Bereavement/Family Medical Emergency List and recalled infielder/outfielder Rikuu Nishida from Class AAA Charlotte.
Regardless of what the masses may think, lefthander Anthony Kay has been solid for the Good Guys and is probably the second-best starter they currently have behind Sean Burke. Kay will make his 25th start of the season and has a 3.96 ERA and a 1.327 WHIP over 127 1/3 innings. He seems to keep improving, and in August alone, Kay has allowed just seven earned runs over 23 2/3 innings (four starts), good for a cool 2.66 ERA and a 2-1 record. If you ask me, his great outing against the Atlanta Braves last week went unrewarded because the offense was nowhere to be found.
Hopefully, the bats — or really anybody not named Miguel Vargas or Tristan Peters — can wake up to provide some early run support for Kay, but they will have a tough matchup with righthander Jacob deGrom on the mound. Peters has homered in three straight games, however, so let’s see if he can make it four.
With Benintendi unavailable and a righty on the mound, Sam Antonacci is taking over as the DH and leading off today. Peters will shift to left field in Benintendi’s place, while Brenton Doyle slots into center field and bats eighth. With those changes, today’s lineup is almost identical to Monday’s, and as we know, Will Venable loves the righty-lefty matchups. Still, I would be remiss not to mention Randal Grichuk’s career performance against deGrom: In 14 plate appearances, Grichuk has dominated. He’s slashed .385/.429/1.000 with two home runs, amassing a 1.429 OPS.
deGrom is also making his 25th start of the season and holds a 3.77 ERA across 126 2/3 innings. The 38-year-old still has zero problems striking guys out and has rung up 157 batters this season. His 30.3% strikeout rate ranks in the top 8% of MLB pitchers. deGrom’s fastball averages around 97 mph, though his off-speed pitches — slider, curveball and changeup — all fool batters, with all three pitches generating a whiff rate above 40%. His slider seems to be his most effective pitch, with opponents batting just .163 and slugging a measly .227 against it.
After being ejected from yesterday’s game for heckling the ump, Joc Pederson will get another day off, with Justin Foscue remaining in the leadoff spot after a decent performance Monday. Corey Seager has been swinging a hot bat lately, and after two doubles and three RBIs yesterday, that is now apparent. In the past two weeks, Seager has the third-highest batting average in MLB (.419) and the sixth-highest OPS (1.164), and he’s actually hit lefties better this year (.256 BA vs. .222 against righties).
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CDT, and it should be a beautiful night for a ballgame: 78º with partly cloudy skies. Watch on CHSN or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000 AM.
Melbourne player awarded record-breaking ninth blazer
AFL minor premiers Fremantle lead league with five selections
Melbourne colossus Max Gawn has underlined his status as the greatest ruckman of the modern era, awarded an unprecedented ninth All-Australian blazer after another brilliant individual season.
Gawn was named captain of the representative side, which also featured Demons teammate Kysaiah Pickett among a record five Indigenous players chosen.
The Golden State Warriors have had a rather quiet offseason that returned many familiar faces from last season's roster. Now, they have added two newcomers at the guard and forward positions.
The Warriors agreed to sign 6-foot-1 point guard Brandon Williams to a one-year, $2.6 million deal, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. Golden State also agreed to sign free agent forward Georges Niang to a one-year, $3.9 million deal, Charania reported.
Williams spent the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged career highs with 13 points and 3.9 assists in 66 games. Williams averaged 22.2 minutes per night, the most playing time he's seen since joining the NBA as an undrafted rookie signing in 2021.
Williams was on the Mavericks' roster the previous three seasons. He first entered the league playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 12.9 points in 24 games in 2021-22.
The veteran Niang has averaged 7.4 points per game across 544 NBA games, but did not play in 2025-26 due to injury.
How Brandon Williams fits with Warriors
The fifth-year NBA player joins a guard-heavy team already featuring the likes of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, LJ Cryer, Gary Payton II and De'Anthony Melton.
Williams will seemingly be a spark off the bench for Golden State. It's a role Williams is familiar with and the Warriors know how dynamic he can be torching other second units − they got a taste of that work last season.
Williams had one of his best games against the Warriors on Christmas Day 2025, while with the Mavericks. Williams seemingly couldn't miss that day. He tallied 26 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.
He scored a career-high against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 7, 2025 when he went off for 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 on 3-point field goals. He added six assists, five rebounds and a steal to his stat line. Williams showcased his ability to get to the rim and draw contact that game, getting to the free throw line eight times, making seven.
How Georges Niang fits with Warriors
If healthy, Niang brings another 3-point shooting threat to the Warriors roster. He fits in all too well.
After a decade in the NBA, Niang has proved to be a reliable role player and credible 3-point shooter who connects from deep at a 40% clip for his career.
Niang missed the 2025-26 season due to a foot injury. The Warriors were all too familiar with injuries last season, with Curry, Moody, Jimmy Butler III and Al Horford among the big names impacted.
Niang has played for the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. He was going to return to the Jazz after a trade last offseason because the team felt his veteran presence would benefit their young core. Niang joining the Warriors' mix of veteran leadership and young reserves should be the perfect storm.
Plus, Niang should be somewhat familiar with the Warriors' organization and development system having played for their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, during the 2017-18 season.
Reuniting old teammates
Williams won't have too much of a time getting acclimated with the Warriors and how they operate. He is already familiar with a member of the team.
Williams is a 26-year-old guard from Los Angeles. He attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, where he was teammates with Melton. They dominated the floor when they shared the space. Melton averaged 20 points and Williams averaged 15.8 points as they led the Celts to a 33-5 record and won the CIF Division I state championship.
The two celebrated Williams' signing, posting a screen grab from their FaceTime video call showing both smiling as Williams quoted the tagline for hip-hop producer Chandler "Turbo" Durham.
"RUN IT BACK TURBOOOO @DeAnthonyMelton," Williams posted on X, formerly Twitter, with blue and yellow hearts symbolizing the Warriors' color-scheme.
Although not Southern California, Williams is back on the West Coast, so that has to be a breath of fresh air for him. His familiarity with Melton should help make for a smooth transition to the Bay Area.
May 3, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 11: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ryan Levy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After taking two of three from the Atlanta Braves, the team with the best record in the NL East, the Brewers will now head to the Big Apple to take on the worst team in the NL East.
Starting for the Mets is rookie left-hander Zac Thornton, who’s made nine starts for New York this year. Thornton has been good at limiting runs (3.04 ERA) and sports a solid 1.15 WHIP, although his underlying numbers paint a somewhat less flattering picture. His 4.09 FIP is more than a full run higher than his ERA, he’s struck out just 6.4 batters per nine innings, and his Statcast chart is almost entirely blue.
On the rubber tonight for the visiting team will be Kyle Harrison, who went five shutout innings against the Mariners last time around. Harrison allowed only two hits and struck out eight in a game Milwaukee would go on to win 22-0. The 25-year-old lefty has been consistently great this year, pitching to a 2.84 ERA through 20 starts in his first season as a Brewer.
Jackson Chourio, who’s hitting .393 with a .916 OPS over his last seven games, leads off for the Brewers. He’s followed by fellow regulars Brice Turang and William Contreras.
Jake Bauers is dealing with a sore foot after fouling a ball off his foot on Sunday, so he’s out of tonight’s lineup. For what it’s worth, Bauers has said he’s fine to play. He’s just a little dinged up right now, and the Brewers can afford to be patient — especially because they still have Andrew Vaughn (1.054 OPS vs. lefties) to hit cleanup.
Hitting fifth is Gary Sánchez, who isn’t too bad himself against lefties (.828 OPS). Rounding out the order are Luis Lara (in right field tonight), Garrett Mitchell, Joey Ortiz, and Cooper Pratt.
In other roster news: OF Sal Frelick is back.
From the Brewers: OF Sal Frelick reinstated from the 10-day injured list
Niang, who missed the entire 2025–26 season because of injury, signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Warriors.
Free agent Georges Niang was just signed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. Getty Images
The forward is the ultimate role player and journeyman. The Warriors will be Niang’s sixth team in 11 NBA seasons.
The 33 year old is a career 40% 3-point shooter and is widely known for his stretch four abilities. He’s a solid shooter, can space the floor and gives Golden State another gritty player.
Niang was once with the Warriors’ G-League affiliate during the 2017–18 season. Getty Images
This isn’t Niang’s first stint with the Warriors organization as he was with their G-League affiliate during the 2017–18 season. Niang has spent time with the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Hawks.
Niang’s deal with Golden State makes the Warriors his sixth team in 11 NBA seasons. USA TODAY Sports
After a quiet offseason, the Warriors have made two signings in the same day. Golden State targeted both Williams and Niang over the last month to fill its two open regular-season roster spots.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tyler Glasnow’s name is kind of nominative determinism if you think about it.
It would infuse the lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler with some explosiveness and speed. And it would give Kuminga a chance to rehabilitate his image after a very public clash with Warriors coach Steve Kerr followed by the Hawks declining to pick up his $24.3 million team option in June.
Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks in action during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images
The Lakers’ starting lineup doesn’t have enough speed. Or defensive power from the perimeter. They need a two-way wing.
Kuminga is the best player on the market who fits that bill.
And even though Kuminga’s camp is hoping for something more in the ballpark of $20-$25 million annually, it benefits both parties to reach an agreement.
After Kuminga was selected by the Warriors as the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, he wanted to become a star. But the Warriors needed him to star in his role on a veteran-laden team that included Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
There were times when Kuminga shined, such as when he stepped up in the second round of the 2024 playoffs while Curry was sidelined with an injury, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks in Game 3 of that series.
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein defends against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga during the first quarter on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Madison Square Garden. (Jason Szenes) Jason Szenes for New York Post
Or when he went 11-for-11 from the field, finishing with 25 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots in a two-way masterpiece against the Hawks in January 2024.
But he also struggled with inconsistency. He resented being pigeonholed. And eventually the relationship between him and Kerr soured past the point of no return, leading to him being dealt to the Hawks in February 2026.
After only playing 16 games for the Hawks while averaging 12.3 points on 47.6 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, they declined to pick up his team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers and Timberwolves are among his top options.
The offense wouldn’t run through Kuminga on either of those teams, but he’d have a starting role on the Lakers alongside Doncic, Reaves, Kessler and likely Quentin Grimes.
It’s unclear if he’d be a starter on the Timberwolves alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. He could possibly snag that fifth spot, though Ayo Donsunmu could also be in contention for it.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga slams the ball over New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns during game five of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball game in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (JASON SZENES) JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Kuminga, who’s 23 years old, is going to have to accept a hard truth in the NBA.
It doesn’t matter what he can do. What matters is what a team wants him to do.
That’s where an NBA player’s value lies. Not in his abilities. Not in his potential. But in how he fits on a team. How selfless he is. Whether he’s willing to plug the holes in the way that management sees fit.
Now’s Kuminga’s chance to prove that he can do that.
The Lakers need someone who can attack the rim and defend multiple positions. Kuminga’s services wouldn’t be additive, they’d be essential.
If Kuminga chooses to join the 17-time champion Lakers, he wouldn’t be the team’s star but he’d firmly be in the spotlight.
Los Angeles is a much bigger market than Minnesota. It would give Kuminga a chance to prove to the world he’s selfless enough to play a role, while also giving him national attention when he shines.
The Lakers need Kuminga.
And if he chooses to come to the Lakers, he could begin really making a name for himself.
He’d be playing on the second-most successful franchise in the NBA. He’d be playing on a team that has worldwide recognition. And he’d be playing on a squad that really needs him.
While it remains to be seen how this will all play out, one thing is certain.
The Lakers and Kuminga could both help take each other to the next level.
Aug 13, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) sits in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 12: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s just barely over a month left in the regular season, but there is still so much to be determined, particularly in the race for both the AL East and the top AL wild card. The Yankees enter play on Tuesday sandwiched between a pair of division rivals, sitting 3.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays and 2.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. The difference between first and third in the best division in baseball will almost certainly be a No. 1 seed in the American League and a road Wild Card Series in a House of Horrors, so every game down the stretch will have added importance.
But before an extremely pivotal four-game set with Boston at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees continue a stretch of playing some bitter rivals, as they host the middling Houston Astros, fresh off a confusing front office shake-up, starting tonight. Houston might be below .500, but they’re only a half game back in a truly disgusting AL West, so there’s a real chance they have a higher seed than the Yankees. That’s baseball, Suzyn.
Taking the bump for the Yankees is a man who now knows there’s no reason to look over his shoulder in Will Warren. A minor injury to Max Fried seemed to only temporarily delay a shift to the bullpen, but a more serious issue with Ryan Weathers seems to have solidified his place in the rotation for the rest of the regular season. Hopefully, with less pressure on him, he can snap out of this multi-month malaise that has tumbled his ERA to a season-worst 4.43 (95 ERA+) with a 4.27 FIP across 122 innings. In his previous meeting with Houston in April, he tossed a quality start, so more of that, please.
Ethan Pecko will get his second major league start tonight on his 24th birthday for the Astros, coming off an iffy MLB debut last week against the Angels, where he allowed two runs in 3.2 innings. The 2023 sixth-rounder, who’s the No. 9 prospect in the Astros’ system according to MLB Pipeline, has pretty mediocre numbers with Triple-A Sugar Land, but was called up to revitalize a rough rotation in Houston.
It’s much too early in his career to properly identify strengths and weaknesses, but he was successful in Triple-A at preventing hard contact, generating chases, and filling up the strike zone, while not picking up many strikeouts or whiffs. He leans on his sinker against right-handed batters, with a sweeper and four-seamer to back it up, but mostly throws fastballs, cutters, and changeups against lefties in his diverse arsenal.
Trent Grisham leads off once again for a lefty-heavy lineup, followed by Ben Rice, Luis García Jr, and Cody Bellinger. George Lombard Jr. will bat fifth, followed by another three lefties in Spencer Jones, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Austin Wells, with Jose Caballero rounding things out at third base, batting ninth.
For the Astros, it’s a lineup that starts dangerous but drops off. 2022 ALCS and World Series MVP Jeremy Peña leads off, followed by current AL Triple Crown hopeful Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, and someone who’ll relish the boos he gets this week, Jose Altuve. Former Blue Jay Daulton Varsho bats fifth, followed by Christian Walker, LaMonte Wade Jr., Yainer Diaz, and Taylor Trammell.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — The Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Space City Home Network
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, KLTN-TUDN 102.9 FM (HOU)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 17: A detailed view of the custom Toronto Blue Jays 50th anniversary sleeve patch worn on a jersey during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 17, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 4-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The first of three against the Royals. Game #133.
The Royals are on an eight-game win streak and are still last in the AL Central.
And the Jays are down another starting pitcher. Thankfully Jameson Taillon should be back next week. But, this week, relievers are going to throw a lot of innings. Guys like Max Scherzer are going to be pushed to go as deep into games as they can.
Today’s lineup:
Today’s Lineups
ROYALS
BLUE JAYS
Carter Jensen – C
Brett Bateman – CF
Bobby Witt – SS
Nathan Lukes – RF
Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Salvador Perez – DH
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
Michael Massey – 2B
Jesus Sanchez – DH
Nick Loftin – 3B
Ernie Clement – 2B
Isaac Collins – LF
Andres Gimenez – SS
John Rave – RF
Brandon Valenzuela – C
Kyle Isbel – CF
Myles Straw – LF
Seth Lugo – RHP
Max Scherzer – RHP
Go Jays Go.
Sad to hear about the death of Dolly Parton. I wasn’t a huge fan of her music, but anyone who can write Jolene and I Will Always Love You on the same day (well she admitted, same week) and doesn’t just retire is special. And that she used her money to help others (it seems like such an antiquated idea these days) makes her even more special.
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez (28) celebrates batting a single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Monday, August 24, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
Detroit Tigers (61-70) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (78-53)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:DRaysBay Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jackson Jobe (1-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP Ian Seymour (9-4, 4.17 ERA)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 23: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros hits a two-run home run in the first inning during the game against the Athletics at Daikin Park on August 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (65-66) and New York Yankees (74-56) begin a 3-game series in the Bronx tonight.
Rookie RHP Ethan Pecko (0-0, 4.91 ERA) will make his 2nd career start tonight as he takes on Yankees RHP Will Warren (8-6, 4.43 ERA).
ASTROS-YANKEES: The Astros are 1-2 vs. NYY this season, with the Yankees taking 2 of 3 at Daikin Park, April 24-26. In their last visit to the Bronx, the Astros took 2 of 3 from the Yankees, Aug. 8-10 of 2025.
All-Time: In the regular season, the Astros are 37-54 vs. NYY.
Postseason: The Astros have won all 4 postseason series that they have played vs. the Yankees (2015, ‘17, ‘19, ‘22) and have a combined record of 13-5 (.722) in those games.
NY STATE OF MIND: Tonight is the 1st game of a 6-game road trip for the Astros, with all 6 games being scheduled in the Big Apple. After this 3-game series vs. the Yankees in the Bronx (Tues.-Thur.), the Astros will take on the Mets for a 3-game series at Citi Field in Queens over the weekend (Fri.-Sun).
Last Time It Happened: The Astros had a similar road series in NYC, June 23-29 of 2022, during which they played 4 games at Yankee Stadium (2-2) and 2 games at Citi Field (2-0), respectively.
YOUNG ETHAN: Tonight will be the 2nd ML start/ app. for 24-year-old rookie RHP Ethan Pecko. He made his ML debut with a start vs. LAA on Aug. 19 (3.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO), ending with a no decision in a 3-2 Astros victory at Daikin Park. Pecko, who is a native of Darby, PA, combined to post a 4.57 ERA (42ER/82.2IP) with 86 strikeouts in 20 games (18 starts) in the minors this season, including 17 games at Triple A. The Astros 6th-round pick in 2023 out of Towson University (MD), Pecko has pitched in parts of four minor league seasons in the Astros system and currently ranks as the Astros No. 9 prospect per MLB.com.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES: To today’s Astros starter RHP Ethan Pecko, who turns 24 years old today.
VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!: With RHP Ethan Pecko turning 24 years old today, tonight will mark the 30th time that an Astros/Colt .45s hurler has started a game on his birthday. Pecko will be the 4th Astros pitcher to do so since 2019. In the previous 3 birthday starts, Astros hurlers were dominant, combining for a 3-0 record with an 0.43 ERA, allowing just 1 ER in 21.0 IP with 24 K’s and just 7 hits allowed.
Last 3 Birthday Starts – Astros :
Hunter Brown: 8/29/24 vs. KC (W, 6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 SO).
Jose Urquidy: 5/1/21 at TB (W, 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 5 SO)
Gerrit Cole: 9/8/19 at SEA (W, 8.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 15 SO)
Note: RHP Larry Dierker’s 3 birthday starts are the most in franchise history. The Astros are 18-11 when a pitcher starts on his birthday.
RECENT STROS: The Astros are 2-3 in their last 5 games and 4-6 in their last 10 games.
ON THE OFFENSIVE: Among AL teams, the Astros rank 1st in SLG (.410) and 3rd in runs scored (596), HR (173) and OPS (.727).
MEASURING UP: The Astros are 32-20 (.615) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. They have winning records vs. BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (2-1), CLE (4-2), MIA (3-0), TB (2-1), TEX (9-4).
TRIPLE THREAT: Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently leads the AL in several categories, including all three Triple Crown categories. He enters tonight leading the AL in batting avg. (.320), HR (36) and RBI (90). Additionally, Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.050), SLG (.613), OBP (.436) and TB (284).
Rare Feat: Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 45-35 (.563) in their last 80 games (since May 22). That is the 2nd-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (50-32).
ROAD WARRIORS: Since posting a 1-9 record on the 1st road trip of the 2026 season, the Astros have been one of the best road teams in the Majors. They are 31-22 (.585) on the road since April 14, which is 3rd-best in the AL in that span. More recently they are 15-10 (.600) on their last 4 road trips combined…. Overall for the season, HOU is 32-31 on the road.
THE HIT MAN: Jose Altuve enters tonight’s game needing just 13 hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, his 2,487 hits rank 2nd to Freddie Freeman’s 2,576.
IN GOOD COMPANY: In MLB history, Altuve is one of just 3 players with a .300 career batting avg. to reach both 250 HR and 300 SB. The other 2 are HOFers Willie Mays and Derek Jeter.
WALK OF FAME: Yordan Alvarez’s ML-high 28 intetional walks this season have set the franchise single-season record, surpassing Jeff Bagwell’s 27 intentional walks in 1997. Alvarez was intentionally walked 3 times on Sunday vs. ATH.
ONE OF THE BEST: LHP Josh Hader reached his 500th career app. recently, making him one of 12 active pitchers to reach that milestone. Hader has been stellar since returning from injury in June, going 4-1 with a 0.75 ERA (3ER/32IP), 43 strikeouts, a .119 opponent average (13×109) and a 0.75 WHIP, while converting all 18 of his save chances in 33 appearances.
DOWN ON THE FARM: Several of the Astros minor league clubs are having success this season:
• Triple A Sugar Land: In the second half, the Space Cowboys (34-17) are in 1st in the PCL East Division.
• Class A Fayetteville: For the second half, the Woodpeckers are in 1st place in the Carolina League North Division with a 32-20 (.600) record.
• Rookie Level FCL Astros: The Astros won the Florida Complex League championship, finishing with a 42-11 (.792) record in the regular season.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1992 – Shortstop Andujar Cedeno is called up from Triple A and promptly hits for the cycle in a 5-3 loss to the Cardinals in 11.0 innings. Cedeno’s cycle marked the 4th time an Astro had achieved this milestone.
1972 – In 4-3 loss to the Expos, Jimmy Wynn hits his 200th career HR. Additionally, prior to the game, the Astros replace manager Harry Walker with Leo Durocher.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, August 25, 6:05 p.m. CT
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 19: Jackson Jobe #21 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after exiting the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
