TONIGHT’S GAME
: The Houston Astros (43-45) will play another rubber game tonight as they conclude their three game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins (41-46) at Daikin Park.RHP Tatsuya Imai (5-3, 5.36 ERA), who’s won three straight decisions, will get the start for the Astros tonight opposite RHP Taj Bradley (6-3, 3.98 ERA) and the Twins.
ABOUT IMAI: RHP Tatsuya Imai joined the Astros this offseason as an international signing out of Japan. He’s made 11 MLB starts this year, in which the Astros have
gone 7-4, around a month-long IL stint (April 13-May 10). He’s flashed brilliance at times, including his 10-strikeout performance his last time out at DET (6IP), and his 6.0 innings of no-hit ball on May 25 at TEX. Imai has won his last three straight decisions over his last four starts.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won six of eight, seven of 10, and are 10-4 in their last 14 games. The Astros 16-11 record in June tied as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Astros have won five consecutive series dating back to June 12. The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20-July 6 of last season (went 12-3 in that stretch). They are looking for their first six-series winning streak since June 14-July 4, 2024.
ANOTHER ALVAREZ?!: Astros top prospect OF Kevin Alvarez has been selected to play in the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, which will be played on July 12 in Philadelphia. Alvarez, 18, who currently ranks as the 70th overall prospect in baseball per MLB.com, has played this season at Class A Fayetteville, hitting .266 (59×222) with 16 doubles, six homers and 30 RBI in 55 games.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have nullified the optional assignment for RHP Kai-Wei Teng and have placed him on the Major League 15-day Injured List with a right knee sprain. His IL placement is effective Sunday, June 28.
JUNE BUGS: The Astros went 16-11 in June thanks to strong June performances by:
• DH Yordan Alvarez: .344 BA, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 1.036 OPS
• 3B Isaac Paredes: .277 BA, 5 HR, 21 RBI, .877 OPS
• SS Jeremy Peña: .319 BA, 3 HR, 13 RBI, .865 OPS
• RHP AJ Blubaugh: 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 3ER/17IP
• LHP Josh Hader: 2-0, 8 saves, 0.69 ERA, 1ER/13IP
• LHP Steven Okert: 1-0, 0.60 ERA, 1ER/15IP
SALAMI SEASON: DH Yordan Alvarez hit the seventh grand slam of his career last night, which ties the club record also reached by 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Alex Bregman and LF Carlos Lee. Last night’s slam was Alvarez’s third of the season, which also ties the franchise record for grand slams in a single year, also reached by Bregman (2023), Altuve (2021) and OF George Springer (2016).
WHAT A RELIEF: LHP Josh Hader is 2-0 with eight saves (in eight chances) and a 0.69 ERA (1ER/13IP) in 13 appearances this season. He has 21 strikeouts in his 13.0 innings with a .049 (2×41) opponent average and a 0.54 WHIP. Hader has not allowed a hit in six consecutive appearances (6IP since June 21).
TAP FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 63 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (61%). 3B Isaac Paredes (9-for-9) has the most successful challenges in the Majors without losing one. 2B Jose Altuve has been successful on 15-of-21 challenges (71%), ranking second in the Majors in challenges won.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players out on minor league rehab assignments:
• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) will start tonight for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas in what is his third minor league rehab start.
• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) will make his second rehab start for Triple A Sugar Land tonight in their game at OKC.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began his minor league rehab assignment yesterday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings on 25 pitches.
• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) will have his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A today.
• OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple A last night, going 1×3 with a walk in a start at first base.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Wednesday, July 1, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: SCHN
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
