Part of why Houston struggled against the Athletics is health, as shortstop Jeremy Peña (rib) and third baseman Isaac Paredes (hamstring) are both on the 10-day IL. Peña leads the team with a .322 batting average, which also ranks third in baseball. Meanwhile, Paredes tops the squad with 19 homers.

After being swept at home by the Athletics, Houston opens its last series before the trade deadline against Washington.

Preview the July 27 matchup between the Houston Astros and Athletics with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Minnesota Twins are set to be sellers at the trade deadline and the Houston Astros are interested in Willi Castro.

Josh Naylor smashed his first home run since joining the Seattle Mariners, giving Seattle a crucial lift in their AL West playoff chase.

PHOENIX — The Houston Astros will recall right-hander Jason Alexander to start Thursday’s series opener against the Athletics, the team announced Wednesday.

Christian Walker singled home the go-ahead run in the ninth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep. Zack Short and Taylor Trammell started the ninth with bunt singles against Kevin Ginkel (1-4).

McCullers’ injury serves as yet another blow to the Astros pitching staff. He now joins a long list of injured pitchers that includes Spencer Arrighetti, Ronel Blanco, J.P. France, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Hayden Wesneski.