Astros lose 5-3 to the Nationals on July 28, 2025, their sixth straight loss. Despite 3 hits from Jeremy Peña, Framber Valdez falters. Full game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Houston Astros made headlines today. The Houston Astros lost 5-3 to the Washington Nationals, extending their losing streak to six games. Houston starter Framber Valdez allowed four runs over 5.2 innings, striking out six but giving up a key two-run homer to James Wood in the sixth. Jeremy Peña led the Astros offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Jose Altuve added a solo home run. The Astros stranded nine runners and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Houston's bullpen allowed one additional run in the eighth. The loss drops the Astros to 60-47, though they remain atop the AL West.
Astros Drop Sixth Straight, Fall to Nationals 5-3 at Home
Astros Drop Sixth Straight, Fall to Nationals 5-3 at Home. The Houston Astros lost 5-3 to the Washington Nationals, extending their losing streak to six games. Houston starter Framber Valdez allowed four runs over 5.2 innings, striking out six but giving up a key two-run homer to James Wood in the sixth. Jeremy Peña led the Astros offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Jose Altuve added a solo home run. The Astros stranded nine runners and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Houston's bullpen allowed one additional run in the eighth. The loss drops the Astros to 60-47, though they remain atop the AL West.
Isaac Paredes, Lance McCullers Jr. Remain Sidelined with Injuries. Third baseman Isaac Paredes continues to miss time with a significant right hamstring strain suffered on July 19. Manager Joe Espada said Paredes will be out 'a while.' Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is on the 15-day IL with a blister issue that flared up during his July 19 start. Both players' return timelines are uncertain, impacting the Astros' depth on both sides of the ball. Luis Garcia Nears Return, Throws Rehab Game for Double-A Corpus Christi. Right-hander Luis Garcia, recovering from a right shoulder capsule tear, threw a rehab game for Double-A Corpus Christi on July 26. He is expected to rejoin the Astros in early August if his recovery continues as planned. Garcia's return would bolster a rotation currently missing Lance McCullers Jr.
Astros Recall Luis Contreras, Option Nick Martinez to Triple-A. The Astros made a bullpen move, recalling right-hander Luis Contreras from Triple-A Sugar Land and optioning Nick Martinez back to Triple-A. Contreras, 25, has posted a 2.87 ERA in 34 relief appearances for Sugar Land this season. Martinez struggled in his recent outings, allowing five runs over his last 6.1 innings for Houston.
Astros Farm System: Logan Davidson Claimed, Optioned to Triple-A. Infielder Logan Davidson was claimed off waivers and optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. Davidson, 27, was previously with the Oakland Athletics organization and is known for his defensive versatility. He is expected to provide infield depth for the Astros' upper minors.
Astros Social Media: Peña’s Hot Streak Highlighted. The Astros' official X (Twitter) account spotlighted Jeremy Peña’s recent surge, noting his .322 average and .378 OBP. Peña has been a bright spot during the team’s recent struggles, with fans and teammates praising his consistency at the plate.
Astros Announce Billy Wagner Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Date. The Astros announced they will honor Billy Wagner’s 2025 Hall of Fame induction with a pregame ceremony on August 10. Wagner, who recorded 225 saves with Houston, will become the third player to enter the Hall as an Astro, joining Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.
That's all for today's Houston Astros update. Check back tomorrow for more team news and analysis.
