The Houston Astros are back at it today, looking to salvage a four-game series split against their division rivals, the Seattle Mariners. After a rough start to the homestand, the Astros (17-27) have a chance to build some momentum with a win in today's series finale at Minute Maid Park.
On the mound for Houston is right-hander Mike Burrows (2-4, 5.04 ERA), who is coming off arguably the best start of his young career. Last Friday against Cincinnati, Burrows tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits while striking out five. That outing was the latest in a strong stretch—over his last three starts, Burrows owns a sparkling 2.50 ERA (5 earned runs over 18 innings). Acquired from the Pirates in a three-team, six-player trade this offseason, Burrows is quickly finding his groove in the AL West.
Opposing him will be Mariners righty Luis Castillo (0-4, 6.57 ERA), who has struggled mightily this season. The Astros have had success against Castillo in the past, tagging him for seven runs over just 3.1 innings in their first meeting this year on April 11. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has been particularly tough on the three-time All-Star, boasting a .474 lifetime average (9-for-19) with three home runs off Castillo—including one in that April matchup.
This game marks the end of the second series between these two teams in 2026, and they won't see each other again until August. The Astros snapped a nine-game losing streak to Seattle with a win last night, so they'll be eager to keep that momentum going and avoid falling back into old habits.
Manager Joe Espada notched his 192nd career managerial victory last night, moving him past Harry Craft (1962-64) into 12th place on the franchise's all-time wins list. He now sets his sights on Jimy Williams (215) for 11th place.
In other news, right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. reached a major milestone last night, surpassing 900 career strikeouts. He fanned six batters over 5.1 innings, becoming the 15th player in franchise history to reach that mark—and the fastest to do so, needing just 154 appearances.
First pitch is set for this afternoon. Can the Astros keep their climb going?