​TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros and Rangers renew their rivalry tonight in Arlington, Texas, kicking off a pivotal three-game weekend series at Globe Life Field. Astros ace right-hander Hunter Brown (1-0) will take the mound for his seventh start of the season and his first of 2026 against the Rangers. He’ll be opposed by former reliever turned starter Cal Quantrill (3-1) of the Rangers.
THE SILVER BOOT SERIES: Through the 2026 Silver Boot Series, the Astros lead the season series 5-2 after taking three of four in Arlington from May 25-28. Since the start of the 2017 season, Houston has won or split nine straight season series against Texas, compiling a 98-53 record in that span.
THIS WEEKEND’S TELECASTS: All three games will be televised on Space City Home Network. Kevin Eschenfelder, Geoff Blum and Lauren Callender will call the action, with Shelby Coppedge and Brian Bogusevic hosting the pregame and postgame coverage from the SCHN studio.
SUPPORT FOR VENEZUELA: The Astros Foundation organized highly successful relief efforts last week to aid Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes on June 24. Through the combined efforts of the Astros Foundation, several partners, and many Astros fans, 115 pallets of non-perishable food, household goods, hygiene items and more were assembled to assist those in need in Venezuela.
THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a sluggish start, the Astros are 26-18 since May 21, the best record in the American League over that span. On May 21, Houston sat at 20-31, 11 games under .500—their low-water mark for the season.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Astros have shown resilience on the road, going 16-10 over their last four road trips combined and 22-16 on the road since a 1-9 start on their initial road swing. They have won four of their last six road series dating back to May 22.
CLOSING OUT GAMES: The Astros are 9-6 in one-run games and 21-11 in two-run games this season. Nine of their last 10 wins and 14 of their last 16 victories have come by two or fewer runs. Their most recent win by four or more runs came on June 19, a 9-3 triumph over Cleveland.
BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT: Happy Birthday to left-handed reliever Steven Okert, who turned 35 yesterday. As the oldest member of the Astros bullpen, Okert has appeared in the most games on the club this season (44) and sits third in the American League in appearances.
WEDNESDAY IN WASHINGTON: The Astros dropped the rubber match of their series in Washington 8-2 on Wednesday night. Isaac Paredes and Zach Dezenzo both collected two hits (2-for-4 and 2-for-3, respectively), while Christian Walker reached a milestone with his 200th career double.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros recalled shortstop Jeremy Peña from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Braden Shewmake for assignment to make room on the roster.