The Astros, led by Framber Valdez's 10th straight win, aim for a series sweep against the Diamondbacks on July 23. Can Brandon Walter secure the victory?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's a different energy around Minute Maid Park this week. Fresh off Framber Valdez's historic 10th consecutive win, the Houston Astros are riding a three-game winning streak and have their sights set on a series sweep against the Arizona Diamondbacks today. The vibes are high, the bats are waking up, and even with some key players on the mend, the Astros are finding ways to win.
Framber Valdez's 10-game winning streak now matches Tarik Skubal for the longest in the majors this season.
You can't talk about the Astros right now without starting with Framber Valdez. His masterful performance on Tuesday not only secured the series win but also extended his personal winning streak to a whopping 10 games, tying him for the longest in all of baseball. That kind of dominance is contagious, and you can see it in the team's swagger. Tonight, the ball is in Brandon Walter's hands as he faces Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt. The mission is simple: keep the train rolling and secure the sweep. A fourth straight victory would be a massive confidence boost as the team navigates a tricky part of the season.
While the team is winning, the training room has been busy. The Astros made a series of moves to bolster the roster, recalling the versatile Shay Whitcomb and purchasing the contract of veteran first baseman Jon Singleton from Triple-A Sugar Land. To make room, outfielder Kenedy Corona was optioned back to the Space Cowboys. These moves provide depth as the team deals with injuries to RHP Lance McCullers Jr., sidelined with a pesky blister on the 15-day IL, and 3B Isaac Paredes, who is out with a right hamstring strain.
The best news of the day might have come from the batting cages. Yordan Alvarez, recovering from a right hand fracture, has officially resumed hitting. He's started with tee work and soft toss, a significant and welcome step in his rehabilitation. While there's no firm timetable for his return, seeing Alvarez swing a bat again is a massive morale lift for the entire organization and its fanbase. His power is irreplaceable, and his progress is the light at the end of the injury tunnel.
As the Astros take the field against the D-backs, they're playing with renewed purpose. A sweep would solidify this homestand as a major success and build crucial momentum. With Valdez dealing, the offense clicking, and Alvarez making strides toward a return, the narrative is shifting in Houston. The focus now is on stacking wins and getting healthy for the stretch run, and today is another golden opportunity to do just that.
