The Astros lost 10-6. They are 27-35.Mike Burrows allowed two more home runs. Bryan Abreu surrendered one, too. Spencer Arrighetti vs. Paul Skenes tomorrow.

Bryan Abreu just challenged a 3-2 pitch that was an obvious ball. The Astros' one ABS rule is that pitchers will not challenge any pitches.

And now he's warming for the ninth

@Chandler_Rome: Bryan Abreu hasn't pitched since Sunday.

Two minor-league signings for a pitching-starved Astros organization: Miguel Yajure and Brandon Bielak, both of whom have reported to Triple-A Sugar Land. Yajure has 19 games of major-league experience. You already know Bielak.

The Astros are going to sign right-hander Brandon Bielak to a minor league deal, reports Ari Alexander of 7News Boston. Alexander adds that the Gaeta Sports Management client will report to Triple-A Sugar Land. Bielak, now 30, pitched in the majors from 2020 to 2024. Most of that was with the Astros, though he also […]

Right-hander Brandon Bielak recently underwent season-ending surgery, reports MLBTR’s Steve Adams. He’s expected to be ready for 2026 Spring Training. Bielak was released from a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks on Saturday after going on the full-season injured list last month. The injury essentially ended Bielak’s stint with Arizona before it got off the ground.…

RT: The San Diego Padres over their last month:.190 AVG | .268 OBP | .318 SLG | .587 OPSZack Greinke in his career:.225 AVG | .262 OBP | .336 SLG | .598 OPS https://t.co/n10LwS6s5T

Never have we needed Zack Greinke more. He would have taken a quarter, put it in his pocket, and walked awaysaying nothing.

@Yankees: Which player can roll the coin into the fork? https://t.co/31Ek2JOK3p

Kershaw career strikeout No. 2980 Passes former #Dodgers teammate Zack Greinke into 20th place all-time

Lance McCullers Jr. said he is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab. McCullers is throwing from 90 feet and is about to start throwing on back to back days. Still on flat ground. It's possible he gets off a mound this month.

Lance McCullers Jr. gave an update today. He'll play catch again tomorrow at a low intensity. He said the diagnosis was a "strain of the forearm muscle, very low grade. They were hesitant to even call it a strain." Dr. Neal ElAttrache reviewed the MRI and confirmed it, too

Lance McCullers Jr. played catch again today, Dusty Baker said.

Welcome to the family! Ryan Pressly is joining @SpaceCityHN as the newest pregame and postgame analyst. Catch him tonight during the Houston Astros Spring Training game at 5. pic.x.com/JfoEW3BDdS

Retired right-hander Ryan Pressly has been hired by the Twins, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. According to Declan Goff of SKOR North, Pressly will be working in player development with both major and minor leaguers. Pressly, 37, just announced his retirement as a player a couple of days ago. It seems he…

Two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly has retired after a 13-year career in which he collected 117 saves and helped the Houston Astros win the 2022 World Series.

Congratulations to @DRob30 on an outstanding @MLB career. He ranks 5th in appearances this century (881).@F_Rodney56 (951) leads the list, followed by K-Rod, @LaTroyHawkins32, @kenleyjansen74, Robertson, @24_7Farnsworth, Joe Smith, @AChapman_105, @Kimbrel46, @MarianoRivera.

Zach Edey became the first player since Maryland's Joe Smith in 1995 to have a 30-point, 20-rebound game in the NCAA tournament, an effort that allowed Purdue to erase memories of its stunning lost to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson last year.

Veteran reliever Joe Smith announced his retirement on Wednesday, calling it a career after spending parts of 15 seasons in the Major Leagues. Via his representatives at Excel Sports Management, Smith issued a lengthy statement thanking the Mets, Guardians, Angels, Cubs, Blue Jays, Astros, Mariners and Twins organizations in addition to his coaches, teammates, trainers…

The Astros informed reporters (including Chandler Rome of the Athletic) that they’ve released reliever Blake Taylor and infielder Joe Perez. Both players had cleared outright waivers this afternoon. Rather than retain them at Triple-A Sugar Land, Houston elected to move on entirely. Taylor made 92 appearances for Houston between 2020-22. The southpaw was generally successful at keeping…

The Astros have claimed right-hander Jake Cousins off waivers from the Brewers, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. There had been no prior indication Cousins had been removed from Milwaukee’s 40-man roster, so this will drop their count to 39. The Astros have now announced the claim, with left-hander Blake Taylor designated for assignment in a…

Astros activated RHP Blake Taylor from the 15-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Taylor had been with Triple-A Sugar Land on a minor league rehab assignment since the start of the regular season, and now he'll hang out there a bit longer while he continues to build back up to full strength. He'll get his chance to work out of the big league bullpen at some point during the 2023 campaign.

Free agent Jason Castro announced his retirement on Friday.

Castro opened and finished his 12-year career with the Astros, spending time with the Twins, Angels and Padres in between. His best season and single All-Star appearance came in 2013, when he hit .276/.350/.485 with 18 homers in 491 plate appearances. He was often injured in his 30s, and he had played a total of just 225 games the last five years. Still, the World Series ring he received after playing in 34 games last season is a nice way to finish up.

Jason Castro said he had surgery eight days ago. He is non-weight bearing for six weeks, but after that, he expects to be around the team more and in the dugout.

Jason Castro said he hasn't made a decision on his baseball future. Said he's going to focus on his rehab and make a decision later on.

The #Angels are losing in the 10th after this play. Jose Altuve tagged up on a pop-up to Nick Madrigal but the Angels couldn't execute. pic.x.com/zsvyZTLoqT

New @CrushCityShow with @tylercstafford - Jose Altuve's return- Mike Burrows' continued struggles- A series win and an OK homestandApple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cruSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3bF4esYouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=qnetp-

Kade Morris is set to make his Major League debut today when the Athletics right-hander gets the start against the Astros.  Morris will take on a Houston lineup boosted by the return of Jose Altuve, who was activated from the 10-day injured list yesterday and went 1-for-4 in the Astros’ 5-1 win over the A’s […]

RT: Only 5 players age-20-or-younger have had more extra-base hits than Colt Emerson (10) over their first 19 @MLB games: - Carlos Correa (12 XBH)- Joe Medwick (12)- Rafael Devers (11)- Orlando Cepeda (11)- Del Ennis (11) https://t.co/gvD9VNi37o

Join us today for a @MethodistHosp Blood Drive!Before giving blood, please eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water and bring a photo ID. Fans who participate will take home a Carlos Correa City Connect Replica Jersey. pic.x.com/LVYTXtKUKH

In the offseason, there was a lot of talk about the Astros having a crowded infield. On paper, they had Christian Walker at first base, Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Pena at short and Carlos Correa at third. With Yordan Alvarez set to be in the designated hitter spot most days, that didn’t leave a […]

Robel García has signed a one-year contract with the LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization.

The deal is official. García was released by the Cubs recently to pursue the opportunity in Korea. He'll make $180,000 over the remainder of the 2022 campaign. The 29-year-old infielder appeared in 77 games with the Cubs and Astros since 2019, hitting .174/.240/.326 with six homers across 197 plate appearances.

Cubs released INF Robel García.

García, who signed a minor league contract with the Cubs back in March, has been granted his release to pursue opportunities overseas. He's reportedly close to a deal with the KT Wiz of the Korea Baseball Organization. The 29-year-old infielder holds a .174/.240/.326 triple-slash line with six homers across 197 plate appearances in the majors since 2019.

The Cubs have released utilityman Robel Garcia, according to MiLB.com’s official transactions page.  Garcia “is expected to pursue a career overseas,” Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports, so today’s move could be a precursor to Garcia quickly announcing a deal with a non-MLB team. Garcia made his Major League debut with the Cubs…

The Cubs are signing free agent outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor league contract and inviting him to major league camp this spring, reports Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The Covenant Sports client was outrighted by the Astros following the 2025 season and became a free agent. McCormick, 31, had a few good years with…

The Chicago Cubs are signing outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to major-league camp, source tells @TheAthletic.

Jim Crane wants to remain under the luxury tax this winter, but the Astros intend to add at least one starter and perhaps a left-handed hitter. Doing both of those things requires payroll shuffling. Sending Mauricio Dubón to Atlanta is the latest example - nytimes.com/athletic/68220… Chandler_Rome: The Astros have parted ways with Chas McCormick, Luis Garcia, Ramón Urías and Mauricio Dubón this month. @mlbtraderumors projected that quartet to make a combined $15.8 million in arbitration - nytimes.com/athletic/68220…

RT: Shohei Ohtani continues his dominance on the mound and production at the plate, and Kyle Tucker joins the party with a big night in the Dodgers' 7-0 win. Story: https://t.co/WuLzf0XiU9

Kyle Tucker hit his fifth home run of the season on June 3 at Chase Field. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)by Senji TorreyKyle Tucker’s Wednesday night began crouched down, a bunt-ready bat parallel to the ground that just missed a whizzing 93 mph four-seam fastball.He finished the at-bat upright, head raised to the rafters as he took another four-seamer 424 feet the other way to ignite the scoreboard in the second inning.The homer, his first in a month, also ignited his bat, which went 3-f

In our Dodgers Post prediction contest, one of us called Kyle Tucker's home run ... (Hint: It's the person who doesn't try to bend the rules and cheat all the time) youtube.com/watch?v=9DqI9i

Michael Brantley is here in the Astros' clubhouse (in street clothes)

Michael Brantley, a five-time All-Star and World Series champion, is retiring after 15 major league seasons.

Outfielder Michael Brantley is going to retire, he tells Jon Morosi of MLB.com. “It’s time for me to be home 24/7, watch my kids grow up, and not miss important milestones,” he said. Brantley, now 36, has spent over a decade as one of the best hitters in the league but his health has been…

John Schneider moved Guerrero up just trying to shake things up for him a little bit and see how it goes.He quipped that he told Guerrero, who's going to be a better DH today, you or Schwarber? ShiDavidi: Guerrero hitting leadoff today doesn't mean it will happen again tomorrow when George Springer returns to the lineup. I don't want to set anything in stone, said Schneider. This isn't like a demotion for George or a promotion for Vlad. Just trying to get Vlad going and shaking things up for the day.

RT: a little friday mood with George Springer pic.x.com/iiPBobwUfE

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns for finale vs Marlins. He's better able to extend his right arm and get through the ball swinging said John Schneider, although his elbow is still sore. Day off for George Springer. pic.x.com/m76xvi1iaG

RT: This is Mark Appel. The #1 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. Bleacher Report called him the "Biggest Bust in MLB history". 1 year ago, I had a conversation with him that completely changed my perspective. Here's the 5 main takeaways (that you need to hear): https://t.co/nwf5ypKpNx

The Philadelphia Phillies announced Monday afternoon that RHP Mark Appel has been released by the team.

Seemingly aware of his baseball mortality, Appel put out a lengthy thread on Twitter Sunday, eventually announcing he had started a blog:

My Honest RealityMarch 19, 2023Welcome to the 2023 baseball season. Opening Day is around the corner. Pitchers are almost ready. Position players are locked in. Fans share the optimism a new season brings. But this isn't just another season. This is likely my last

The Phillies announced today that right-hander Mark Appel has been released. He had been in camp on a minor league deal. They also reassigned left-hander Ben Bowden, right-hander Louis Head and catcher Max McDowell to minor league camp. Appel, 31, had been having a rough showing this spring. In six appearances, he allowed six walks…

The Twins released outfielder Derek Fisher from their Triple-A affiliate over the weekend, per the transactions log at MiLB.com. The former Astros, Jays and Brewers outfielder inked a minor league deal with Minnesota over the winter. Once regarded as one of the game’s top outfield prospects, Fisher has managed just a .195/.285/.378 batting line through…

Twins released OF Derek Fisher.

Fisher, a former highly-regarded prospect with the Astros just a few years ago, signed a minor league contract with the Twins back in December and never wound up making it to Minnesota. The 28-year-old outfielder hit just .158/.259/.305 with three homers in 108 plate appearances this season for Triple-A St. Paul.

The 5-7 Sparks parted ways with Derek Fisher on Tuesday. What's his coaching legacy? How do the Sparks and interim coach Fred Williams move forward?

The Astros released Francis Martes this week, notes Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The 25-year-old is now a free agent. It’s an unceremonious end to Martes’ seven-year tenure with the Astros. Signed by the Marlins as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic, the big right-hander wound up on the move to…

The Astros released former top prospect Francis Martes on Monday. He had pitched terribly after returning in June from his second PED suspension. He last pitched in the majors in 2017.

Astros released RHP Francis Martes.

Martes was pushed off the 40-man roster at the end of June and has now officially been cut loose from the Houston organization. The 25-year-old former top prospect last pitched in a major league game in 2017 and was showing a brutal 11.66 ERA through 13 appearances this season in the minors.

The Rays announced that they’ve released former top prospect Forrest Whitley to pursue an opportunity in Japan. Tampa Bay had selected him onto the 40-man roster a couple weeks ago to avoid losing him to minor league free agency. When the former first-round pick evidently found a better job overseas, the Rays were willing to let…

RT: The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following roster moves: Acquired RHP Luis Guerrero from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for INF Tristan Gray. RHP Forrest Whitley has been granted his release to pursue a playing opportunity in Japan.

RT: The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following roster moves: Acquired RHP Luis Guerrero from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for INF Tristan Gray. RHP Forrest Whitley has been granted his release to pursue a playing opportunity in Japan.