MLB Player News

Sanchez went 5-for-5 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Orioles.

Sanchez had gone 0-for-27 with nine strikeouts over his previous 10 games. He broke out of the slump in a big way Thursday, though four of his hits were singles. Sanchez is still batting just .215 over 19 games with the Astros, though he has settled into a near-everyday role in the corner outfield, in turn keeping Jose Altuve at second base or designated hitter. Overall, Sanchez is slashing .249/.310/.400 with 10 home runs, 38 RBI, 47 runs scored and nine stolen bases across 105 games between Houston and Miami this season.

Diaz went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Orioles.

Diaz provided the Astros' last runs of the game in the third inning. He's been fairly steady of late, going 11-for-35 (.314) with two homers and five RBI over his last nine games. For the season, the catcher is up to 18 homers, 55 RBI, 46 runs scored, one stolen base and a .254/.283/.419 slash line across 114 games.

Walker went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and a second run scored in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Orioles.

Walker had gone 11 games without a homer, batting a paltry .179 (7-for-39) with three doubles and four RBI in that span. He made his impact early Thursday, giving Houston a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Walker is up to 17 long balls this season while adding 67 RBI, 54 runs scored, one stolen base, 21 doubles and a .235/.302/.396 slash line over 121 contests. He is likely to finish with his lowest homer total since 2021, though he should still be able to eclipse 20 long balls for a fourth straight year.

Alexander (4-1) allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Orioles on Thursday.

Alexander fell short of a quality start for the first time in his four outings in August, but he still did well enough to secure his third win of the month. Dylan Beavers produced both runs for Baltimore with a solo home run in the second inning and an RBI fielder's choice in the sixth. While Alexander has had some inconsistent stretches this year, he's doing all he can to keep a spot in the Astros' rotation with his recent strong play. He's at a 4.59 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 38:19 K:BB through 49 innings over 12 appearances (seven starts) between the Astros and the Athletics in 2025. Alexander could face additional challenges for a starter role soon, as Lance McCullers (finger) is set to come of the injured list Friday while Luis Garcia (elbow) could follow sometime next week.

Diaz exited Thursday's game against the Cardinals due to right hamstring soreness, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Diaz appeared to suffer the injury in the fifth inning but remained in the game for two additional frames. The severity of the issue isn't currently known, but more details should emerge Friday after he potentially undergoes medical imaging.

Diaz was removed from Thursday's game against the Cardinals due to a foot/ankle injury, Brian Murphy of MLB.comreports.

Diaz appeared to initially suffer the injury while running the bases in the fifth inning. He remained in the contest but was ultimately removed for a pinch hitter in the seventh frame. Diaz will likely undergo imaging, which should provide a better idea of how much time he'll miss, if any.

Young exited Thursday's start against Houston with hamstring discomfort, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Young exited in the sixth inning after suffering the injury while covering first base. He was hit hard prior to his exit, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits across 5.1 innings. It is not immediately clear if Young will miss a start or require a stint on the injured list.

Young exited Thursday's start against the Astros after suffering an apparent leg injury, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Young allowed seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks across 5.1 innings prior to his departure and is on the hook for the loss. The exact nature of the injury is unclear, though Young hurt himself while running to cover first base. He was able to walk off the field with trainers.

Buehler could be moved to the bullpen prior to his next scheduled start, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Buehler has struggled with his command all season, but his performance has gone even further downhill of late. He has a 6.5 BB/9 and a 1.72 WHIP across his last five starts, and he's failed to complete at least five innings three times in that span. Richard Fitts would be a candidate to take Buehler's rotation spot, as would Kyle Harrison, Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.

Kimbrel signed with the Astros on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Kimbrel was granted his release by the Rangers on Thursday and inked his new deal the same day. He's made only one appearance in the majors this season, which came with Atlanta. The Astros are in need of bullpen help with Josh Hader (shoulder) sidelined, but Kimbrel is unlikely to factor into the saves picture.