While 51 games remain on their schedule, the Houston Astros reached a milestone of sorts on Friday when they defeated the visiting Texas Rangers 11-2 in the opener of a three-game series.
The Astros, after all, reclaimed first place in the American League West for the first time since April 6. They’ll look to bolster their standing on Saturday when they continue their series versus the Rangers.
Houston won for the ninth time in 10 games and moved a half-game ahead of the Rangers atop the division. The Astros were 11 games under .500 on May 20 and six games back in the AL West as recently as June 2.
“Still baseball to be played, but I think it’s important to recognize those guys in there (and) how they worked really, really hard to get to this point,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “We have battled injuries, some ups and downs, and they come to work every day with the right attitude and the right mindset. They’re very tough, they stay together, and I’m just proud of our effort.
“There’s still baseball, but we’re pausing them and reminding them that we’ve worked really hard to get to this point. But we’ve got to come back out here (Saturday) and do it again. But how far we’ve come, I’m extremely proud of our team.”
Right-hander Ronel Blanco (0-1, 8.10 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Astros on Saturday.
In his second start back after returning from Tommy John surgery, Blanco allowed five runs on four hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings in a 12-3 road loss to the Chicago White Sox last Sunday. Blanco has surrendered two home runs in both of his starts this season.
Blanco is 2-2 with a 3.34 ERA in eight career appearances (five starts) against the Rangers. In his previous start against Texas, Blanco allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts over six innings in a 5-1 road loss on May 17, 2025. That was his final start before he underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
Right-hander Jacob deGrom (7-6, 3.67 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Rangers.
He did not factor into the decision of a 6-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday after allowing one run on seven hits with four strikeouts over five innings. deGrom ranks fourth in the AL, averaging 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings, and is fifth in opponent on-base percentage at .265.
deGrom is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA over six career starts against the Astros. The Rangers have lost his last five starts against the Astros, including both starts this season. deGrom is 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA in three career starts in Houston.
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager returned from a 23-game stint on the injured list and finished 2-for-3 with a run scored. Seager, sidelined with back inflammation, played in his 52nd game this season. A two-time World Series MVP, Seager has logged three stints on the IL in 2026.
“I think they’re really excited that Corey is back, that’s for sure,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think there are guys that are capable of carrying teams, and Corey Seager is absolutely one of those.
“He makes everybody better around him. You circle guys that you don’t want to beat you that series. When you have multiple guys that you have to circle, that makes it really challenging. And I feel that we’ve been missing Corey, and there is no question about that.”
–Field Level Media
