The Houston Astros (15-23) are set to face the Cincinnati Reds (20-18) tonight at Great American Ball Park, kicking off a three-game series with the first pitch scheduled for 5:10 p.m. CT. The Astros are looking to turn their season around after a tough start, while the Reds aim to build on their winning record.
On the mound for Houston will be right-hander Mike Burrows (1-4, 5.97 ERA), who is coming off his first quality start of the season. In his last outing on May 1 against Boston, Burrows allowed three runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts over six innings, showing signs of settling into his role. The Reds counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo, who will make his season debut after an extended absence.
Burrows was acquired from the Pirates this offseason in a complex three-team, six-player trade. The deal saw the Astros send outfielder Jacob Melton and minor league right-hander Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent infielder Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and left-hander Mason Montgomery to the Pirates. It's a move that reflects the Astros' commitment to reshaping their roster for the long haul.
This matchup carries extra weight given the historic rivalry between these two franchises. The Astros have faced the Reds 857 times, their most games against any Major League club, with a record of 403-453-1. Houston took two of three from Cincinnati in 2025 at Daikin Park, but they haven't won in Cincinnati since a 5-1 victory at Great American Ball Park on Sept. 9, 2012—a drought they'll be eager to snap tonight.
In roster news, the Astros have selected right-hander Logan VanWey (#64) to the Major League roster, while right-hander Jason Alexander was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land following Wednesday's game. Outfielder Dustin Harris was outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land and subsequently elected free agency after being designated for assignment on May 5. Additionally, the Astros have re-signed outfielder Daniel Johnson to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Sugar Land. Johnson appeared in eight games with Houston earlier this season before being designated for assignment on May 4.
On a bright note, second baseman Brice Matthews provided a spark on Wednesday against the Los Angeles (NL) team, going 1-for-4 with his first career leadoff home run—a blast that also marked the Astros' first leadoff homer of the season. It's the kind of energy the team hopes to carry into tonight's game as they look to climb back into contention.