Rookie Matthews' 3-run homer powers Astros past Diamondbacks 6-3 on July 22, 2025. Framber Valdez gets the win as Houston extends its win streak to four.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another night, another victory for your Houston Astros! The boys in orange and blue extended their winning streak to four games on Monday, taking down the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 in a solid team effort. While the win keeps the Astros comfortably atop the AL West at 57-42, the real story of the night was rookie outfielder Matthews, who delivered the decisive blow with a massive three-run homer that set the tone for the entire game.
The victory extended the Astros' winning streak to four games, improving their record to 57-42 and keeping them atop the AL West.
The Astros didn't waste any time making their presence felt. In the second inning, with two runners on, rookie outfielder Matthews stepped up and launched a three-run shot that gave Houston a lead they would never look back from. It was the kind of clutch, early-game hitting that defines championship-caliber teams. On the mound, Framber Valdez was his usual steady self, navigating the Diamondbacks' lineup and earning the win. The victory was a textbook example of the Astros' 'next man up' mentality, securing a crucial win to start the series.
Even as the team celebrates on the field, the front office and training staff are working overtime. The injury bug struck again over the weekend, with the team placing third baseman Isaac Paredes on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain on July 20th. His absence creates another hole in the infield. To adjust, the team has continued its roster shuffle, optioning catcher César Salazar to Triple-A Sugar Land and purchasing the contract of Jonathan Singleton to add another bat to the mix.
It's not all bad news on the injury front, however. There are glimmers of hope on the horizon. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, out since the first of July with a rib fracture, is making significant progress in his rehab. He's reportedly taking batting practice and grounders, with live BP sessions next on the docket. Even more encouraging, Yordan Alvarez has resumed soft toss after fracturing his hand back in May, reporting that his hand feels fine. While his return date is still TBD, any activity from Air Yordan is a massive step in the right direction. Getting these two sluggers back would be the best trade deadline acquisition the Astros could ask for.
For now, the Astros are proving they can weather the storm, stacking wins even with key players on the shelf. Their resilience is being tested, but they're passing with flying colors. As they continue their series against Arizona, all eyes will be on the field for another win and on the training room for any news that might signal the return of the team's biggest stars. The next few weeks will be crucial in defining their path to October.
