The Astros eye a sweep of the Dodgers on July 6, 2025, after a 6-4 win. With Josh Hader closing and Héctor Neris signed, can Houston secure a key road win?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a beautiful Sunday for a potential statement win. The Houston Astros, sitting pretty atop the AL West at 54-35, are staring down the barrel of a series sweep against the NL-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. After a thrilling 6-4 victory Saturday night powered by a Yainer Diaz blast and Josh Hader's 25th save, the 'Stros are firing on all cylinders. As they prepare for the finale, the front office just gave them another weapon, signing familiar face Héctor Neris to shore up an already formidable bullpen.
With a record of 8-2 in their last 10 games and key players nearing a return, the Astros aren't just winning—they're sending a message to the rest of the league.
Today's finale at Dodger Stadium is more than just another game; it's a potential World Series preview. The Astros send Ryan Gusto (5-3, 4.90 ERA) to the mound to face the Dodgers' Emmet Sheehan. While Gusto has had his ups and downs, he's a battler, and the offense has been providing plenty of support. A win today would not only secure a sweep of a fellow division leader but would also be a massive psychological boost. The Dodgers are a tough out, but after Saturday's win, the momentum is squarely in Houston's dugout.
Just when you thought the bullpen couldn't get deeper, the Astros went out and signed veteran right-hander Héctor Neris to a major league deal. This is a savvy move by the front office, adding a reliable, high-leverage arm for the stretch run. Neris brings experience and a proven track record to the middle innings, providing even more stability ahead of Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader. To make room, Jason Alexander was optioned to Sugar Land. It's a clear signal that the Astros are all-in on fortifying the roster for another deep October run.
The news keeps getting better on the injury front. The biggest sigh of relief comes from Yordan Alvarez, as new imaging shows his hand fracture is a 'non-factor,' with his lingering pain attributed to inflammation. This is fantastic news. Meanwhile, our future rotation is getting healthy, as both Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier threw bullpen sessions on July 4, a major step in their recovery from Tommy John surgery. Outfielder Chas McCormick also began a rehab assignment in Sugar Land, meaning his return is imminent. The only slight damper is Luis Guillorme's hamstring strain, but getting three key pieces closer to returning is a massive win for the team's second-half prospects.
As the Astros take the field in Los Angeles today, they do so with a swaggering confidence. A series sweep is within their grasp, the bullpen is deeper than it was 24 hours ago, and the team's biggest bats and arms are getting closer to a return. This isn't just a hot streak; it's the foundation for a championship push. Buckle up, Astros fans, the second half is about to get very exciting.
