INSIDER
Soto, Burnes, Buehler, Fried among 136 who become free agents with 64 more awaiting pending options
Read full article: Soto, Burnes, Buehler, Fried among 136 who become free agents with 64 more awaiting pending optionsOutfielder Juan Soto, pitchers Corbin Burnes, Walker Buehler and Max Fried, first baseman Pete Alonso, third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielder Anthony Santander and shortstop Willy Adames were among 136 players who became free agents.
Justin Verlander left off Astros' Wild Card Series roster, but Yordan Alvarez is back
Read full article: Justin Verlander left off Astros' Wild Card Series roster, but Yordan Alvarez is backThe Houston Astros left three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander off the roster for their AL Wild Card Series against Detroit but did include injured slugger Yordan Alvarez.
Justin Verlander earns his 262nd win as AL West champion Astros beat Guardians 4-3
Read full article: Justin Verlander earns his 262nd win as AL West champion Astros beat Guardians 4-3Justin Verlander gave up three runs in six innings for his 262nd victory and the AL West champion Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3.
Pavin Smith homers in first 3 at-bats, has 8 RBIs in Diamondbacks' 12-6 win over Astros
Read full article: Pavin Smith homers in first 3 at-bats, has 8 RBIs in Diamondbacks' 12-6 win over AstrosPavin Smith homered in first three at-bats for his first multi-home run game and drove in a career-high eight runs, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks rout the Houston Astros 12-6 on Sunday night to end a three-game losing streak.
Judge hits MLB-best 48th homer, Cole allows 1 hit in 6 innings as Yankees blank Guardians 6-0
Read full article: Judge hits MLB-best 48th homer, Cole allows 1 hit in 6 innings as Yankees blank Guardians 6-0Aaron Judge hit his major-league leading 48th homer and Gerrit Cole allowed one hit in six innings to become the fourth active pitcher to reach 150 career wins as the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0.
Rookies Rafaela and Hamilton help Red Sox to 4-1 victory and series win over Astros
Read full article: Rookies Rafaela and Hamilton help Red Sox to 4-1 victory and series win over AstrosRookie Ceddanne Rafaela doubled twice with two RBIs and fellow rookie David Hamilton added a solo homer in the ninth inning to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros.
Houston's Verlander to come off injured list Wednesday against Boston for first start since June 9
Read full article: Houston's Verlander to come off injured list Wednesday against Boston for first start since June 9Houston’s Justin Verlander is scheduled to come off the injured list and start the finale of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier both had Tommy John surgery | Now what?
Read full article: Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier both had Tommy John surgery | Now what?The Houston Astros were dealt a crushing blow to their pitching rotation in the early portion of the summer, as the team announced starting pitchers Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy were both ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Velocity training has pushed pitchers to their limits. Baseball is grappling with the injury risks
Read full article: Velocity training has pushed pitchers to their limits. Baseball is grappling with the injury risksVelocity training is the rage in baseball from the youth levels up through the majors.
Astros plan to call up prospect Jake Bloss from Double-A to fill hole in rotation
Read full article: Astros plan to call up prospect Jake Bloss from Double-A to fill hole in rotationThe Houston Astros plan to call up right-hander Jake Bloss from Double-A Corpus Christi to make his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday and fill a hole in their injury-depleted rotation.
Verlander scratched for Astros' game against Tigers because of neck discomfort
Read full article: Verlander scratched for Astros' game against Tigers because of neck discomfortHouston Astros ace Justin Verlander was scratched from his scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers because of neck discomfort.
Charlie Morton just reached 2,000 innings at age 40. How has he lasted when so many pitchers don't?
Read full article: Charlie Morton just reached 2,000 innings at age 40. How has he lasted when so many pitchers don't?Charlie Morton just surpassed 2,000 career innings during another win for the Atlanta Braves.
Verdugo powers Yankees to 10-3 blowout against Verlander and Astros
Read full article: Verdugo powers Yankees to 10-3 blowout against Verlander and AstrosAlex Verdugo homered and tied a career high with four RBIs, powering the New York Yankees past Justin Verlander and the skidding Houston Astros 10-3.
Astros look to break losing streak against Yankees
Read full article: Astros look to break losing streak against YankeesThe Houston Astros will be heading to the Empire State for the first time this season, as they will be taking on the New York Yankees in a three-game series. First pitch in Game 1 is slated for Tuesday.
AP study: Nine MLB teams cut payroll this winter, and the average salary is up just 1.5%
Read full article: AP study: Nine MLB teams cut payroll this winter, and the average salary is up just 1.5%San Diego cut payroll by $96 million in the past year, the New York Mets by $50 million and the Los Angeles Angels by $49 million, among nine teams that slashed spending in a tepid free-agent market that sparked player unrest.
Astros’ Justin Verlander on pitcher injuries: ‘It’s a pandemic...’
Read full article: Astros’ Justin Verlander on pitcher injuries: ‘It’s a pandemic...’The Houston Astros are far from the only team to suffer pitching injuries in baseball, but after a week where three high-profile pitchers went down with elbow problems, both Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association released statements about the rash of injuries.
Houston's Blanco throws the first no-hitter in the majors this season in a 10-0 win over Toronto
Read full article: Houston's Blanco throws the first no-hitter in the majors this season in a 10-0 win over TorontoRonel Blanco of the Houston Astros threw the first no-hitter in the major leagues this season, blanking the Toronto Blue Jays 10-0.
Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says
Read full article: Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source saysA person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.
Mets closer Edwin Díaz is set for spring debut after freak WBC injury a year ago
Read full article: Mets closer Edwin Díaz is set for spring debut after freak WBC injury a year agoNew York Mets closer Edwin Díaz is set to appear in a game for the first time since tearing a patellar tendon during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Verlander, Gray and Giolito all in question for opening day after injuries hit starting pitchers
Read full article: Verlander, Gray and Giolito all in question for opening day after injuries hit starting pitchersThree big-name starting pitchers are dealing with injuries that could cause them to miss the beginning of the regular season — and potentially more.
Justin Verlander says he's behind schedule after offseason shoulder issue
Read full article: Justin Verlander says he's behind schedule after offseason shoulder issueHouston Astros ace Justin Verlander says he is “a little bit behind schedule” due to offseason shoulder inflammation that could prevent him from being ready to pitch on opening day.
New York Mets hit with record luxury tax of nearly $101 million for season of fourth-place finish
Read full article: New York Mets hit with record luxury tax of nearly $101 million for season of fourth-place finishThe New York Mets must pay a record luxury tax of nearly $101 million after a fourth-place finish in their division, among an unprecedented eight teams that owe the penalty for the 2023 season.
The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700 million to hit and pitch — but also because he can sell
Read full article: The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700 million to hit and pitch — but also because he can sellShohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has some similarities to other contracts for the world’s biggest sports stars, including soccer icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Faced with injuries and an improving AL West, Astros were ‘playing from behind the whole season'
Read full article: Faced with injuries and an improving AL West, Astros were ‘playing from behind the whole season'Coming a win shy of reaching the World Series would be considered a successful season for most teams.
Altuve hits go-ahead homer in 9th, Astros take 3-2 lead over Rangers in ALCS after benches clear
Read full article: Altuve hits go-ahead homer in 9th, Astros take 3-2 lead over Rangers in ALCS after benches clearJose Altuve hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and the Houston Astros, after getting into another bench-clearing scuffle with the Texas Rangers, rallied for a 5-4 victory in a wild and testy Game 5 of the AL Championship Series.
Montgomery shuts out Astros, Taveras homers as Rangers get 2-0 win in Game 1 of ALCS
Read full article: Montgomery shuts out Astros, Taveras homers as Rangers get 2-0 win in Game 1 of ALCSJordan Montgomery shut down the Houston Astros and Leody Taveras homered as the Texas Rangers did just enough against Justin Verlander to get a 2-0 win in the opener of the AL Championship Series Sunday night.
‘I wasn’t even f---ing here’: Astros’ Justin Verlander gives out emotional, yet epic speech following ALDS win
Read full article: ‘I wasn’t even f---ing here’: Astros’ Justin Verlander gives out emotional, yet epic speech following ALDS winHouston Astros’ Justin Verlander gave out a speech his fans will remember.
José Abreu homers again to power the Astros past the Twins 3-2 and into their 7th straight ALCS
Read full article: José Abreu homers again to power the Astros past the Twins 3-2 and into their 7th straight ALCSJosé Abreu homered for the third time in two games for the Houston Astros in a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins.
Verlander holds Twins scoreless, Alvarez and Altuve power Astros to 6-4 victory in ALDS opener
Read full article: Verlander holds Twins scoreless, Alvarez and Altuve power Astros to 6-4 victory in ALDS openerJustin Verlander pitched six shutout innings, Yordan Alvarez homered twice and the Houston Astros held on for a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins in their AL Division Series opener.
Former Astros star Carlos Correa leads Minnesota Twins in ALDS; Dusty Baker admits he’s a favorite
Read full article: Former Astros star Carlos Correa leads Minnesota Twins in ALDS; Dusty Baker admits he’s a favoriteHouston manager Dusty Baker admitted this week that Carlos Correa is one of his favorite players.
The Houston Astros are in the ALDS -- This is what you need to know ahead of Game 1 this weekend
Read full article: The Houston Astros are in the ALDS -- This is what you need to know ahead of Game 1 this weekendThe Houston Astros have clinched the AL West and earned a spot in the American League Division Series. The million-dollar question is... now what?
Astros’ Justin Verlander named American League Player of the Week
Read full article: Astros’ Justin Verlander named American League Player of the WeekHouston Astros’ Justin Verlander was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 25-Oct. 1, Major League Baseball announced Monday.
MLB playoffs 2023: Verlander gets Game 1, all 8 teams prep for Division Series openers Saturday
Read full article: MLB playoffs 2023: Verlander gets Game 1, all 8 teams prep for Division Series openers SaturdayJustin Verlander is scheduled to start for the Houston Astros against former teammate Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of their AL Division Series on Saturday.
Vintage Verlander silences Seattle as Astros top M’s 5-1 to open key series in playoff race
Read full article: Vintage Verlander silences Seattle as Astros top M’s 5-1 to open key series in playoff raceJustin Verlander took a shutout into the ninth inning, allowing just three hits and worked out of the one jam he faced, and the Houston Astros created some cushion in the AL playoff chase with a 5-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Langeliers, Kemp homer as Athletics down Astros again 6-2 to avoid 100th loss
Read full article: Langeliers, Kemp homer as Athletics down Astros again 6-2 to avoid 100th lossShea Langeliers and Tony Kemp both homered as the Oakland Athletics jumped on Justin Verlander early in a 6-2 win over the Houston Astros.
Abreu hits grand slam and 3-run shot, Astros complete sweep with 12-3 win over Rangers
Read full article: Abreu hits grand slam and 3-run shot, Astros complete sweep with 12-3 win over RangersJosé Abreu hit a grand slam and a three-run homer as the Houston Astros completed a three-game sweep of the slumping Texas Rangers with a 12-3 victory.
Ex-teammates – but not always friends – Scherzer and Verlander to face each other for first time
Read full article: Ex-teammates – but not always friends – Scherzer and Verlander to face each other for first timeThree-time Cy Young Award winners Max Scherzer of Texas and Justin Verlander of Houston are set to pitch against each other for the first time.
Justin Verlander faces his former team, Kyle Tucker hits his 26th homer as Astros rout Tigers 17-4
Read full article: Justin Verlander faces his former team, Kyle Tucker hits his 26th homer as Astros rout Tigers 17-4Justin Verlander struck out seven over five scoreless innings and Kyle Tucker hit his 26th homer in the third inning, helping the Houston Astros rout the Detroit Tigers 17-4 on Sunday.
‘F--- off, Alex’: Astros’ Justin Verlander has words with Red Sox manager Alex Cora
Read full article: ‘F--- off, Alex’: Astros’ Justin Verlander has words with Red Sox manager Alex CoraHouston Astros’ Justin Verlander had some choice words for Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora on the field during Tuesday’s game at Minute Maid Park.
Bregman, Tucker, McCormick homer in 1st inning as the Astros rout Marlins 12-5
Read full article: Bregman, Tucker, McCormick homer in 1st inning as the Astros rout Marlins 12-5Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker and Chas McCormick homered in the first inning, and the Houston Astros built a huge early lead and beat the Miami Marlins 12-5.
Verlander throws 7 solid innings to begin 2nd stint with Astros but loses 3-1 to Yankees
Read full article: Verlander throws 7 solid innings to begin 2nd stint with Astros but loses 3-1 to YankeesJustin Verlander began his second stint with the Houston Astros by pitching seven solid innings, but he gave up a go-ahead homer to Jake Bauers that sent the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory.
Stanton and McKinney hit homers, Volpe delivers tiebreaking RBI single as Yankees top Astros
Read full article: Stanton and McKinney hit homers, Volpe delivers tiebreaking RBI single as Yankees top AstrosAnthony Volpe hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the sixth inning, helping the New York Yankees to a 4-3 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday night in a rematch of last season’s American League Championship Series.
‘Welcome back. We missed you’: Justin Verlander details return to the Houston Astros
Read full article: ‘Welcome back. We missed you’: Justin Verlander details return to the Houston AstrosJustin Verlander is headed back to the Houston Astros, who reacquired the three-time Cy Young Award winner from the New York Mets in a trade-deadline blockbuster.
Mets owner Steve Cohen addresses trade-deadline deals, thinks team will still compete in 2024
Read full article: Mets owner Steve Cohen addresses trade-deadline deals, thinks team will still compete in 2024New York Mets owner Steve Cohen met with player and team personnel in Kansas City prior to the team's game Wednesday.
Astros fans’ joy overfloweth ⚾💖: These are the best reactions to Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander news
Read full article: Astros fans’ joy overfloweth ⚾💖: These are the best reactions to Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander newsFramber Valdez threw the 16th no-hitter in Houston Astros history in a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night, just hours after the Astros reacquired ace Justin Verlander from the New York Mets.
NO HITTER⚾💥: History made as Astros’ Framber Valdez throws no-hitter in 2-0 victory over Cleveland Guardians
Read full article: NO HITTER⚾💥: History made as Astros’ Framber Valdez throws no-hitter in 2-0 victory over Cleveland GuardiansHouston’s Framber Valdez has not allowed a hit through eight innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night.
Astros reacquire Justin Verlander from Mets, a deal owner Jim Crane tells AP was an easy decision
Read full article: Astros reacquire Justin Verlander from Mets, a deal owner Jim Crane tells AP was an easy decisionJustin Verlander is headed back to the Houston Astros, who reacquired the three-time Cy Young Award winner from the New York Mets in a trade-deadline blockbuster.
Verlander going back to Houston highlights flurry of MLB trades ahead of Tuesday's deadline
Read full article: Verlander going back to Houston highlights flurry of MLB trades ahead of Tuesday's deadlineAce pitcher Justin Verlander was shipped from the New York Mets to Houston ahead of the trade deadline, returning to the Astros after he helped them win the World Series last year.
Alonso has a big night and Verlander pitches the Mets past the Yankees 9-3 in the Subway Series
Read full article: Alonso has a big night and Verlander pitches the Mets past the Yankees 9-3 in the Subway SeriesPete Alonso homered twice and drove in a season-high five runs, Justin Verlander pitched six shutout innings and the New York Mets beat the New York Yankees 9-3 in their Subway Series opener.
Bregman homers and Valdez outpitches Verlander as the Astros beat the Mets 4-2 to end their skid
Read full article: Bregman homers and Valdez outpitches Verlander as the Astros beat the Mets 4-2 to end their skidAlex Bregman hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez threw eight strong innings to outpitch former teammate Justin Verlander as the Houston Astros snapped a five-game skid with a 4-2 win over the New York Mets.
Scherzer throws 8 innings and Lindor has 5 RBIs as the Mets rout the slumping Astros 11-1
Read full article: Scherzer throws 8 innings and Lindor has 5 RBIs as the Mets rout the slumping Astros 11-1Francisco Lindor homered and drove in five runs, and Max Scherzer pitched eight fantastic innings for his longest outing with the New York Mets in their 11-1 victory over the skidding Houston Astros.
Nimmo gives Mets 4-3, 10-inning win over Yanks on night of mental, physical errors
Read full article: Nimmo gives Mets 4-3, 10-inning win over Yanks on night of mental, physical errorsBrandon Nimmo hit a game-ending double in the 10th inning and the New York Mets recovered from a string of mental and physical errors to beat the New York Yankees 4-3 for a two-game Subway Series split.
Dad-to-be Chris Bassitt pitches Blue Jays over Mets 3-0
Read full article: Dad-to-be Chris Bassitt pitches Blue Jays over Mets 3-0Chris Bassitt took the mound after a 91-minute rain delay, ready to rush back to Toronto as his wife went into labor, and shut down his former team on three hits to lead the Blue Jays over the New York Mets 3-0.
Justin Verlander gives up 2 HRs in Tigers' 2-0 win over Mets
Read full article: Justin Verlander gives up 2 HRs in Tigers' 2-0 win over MetsJustin Verlander gave up back-to-back home runs in his New York Mets debut and Eduardo Rodriguez threw eight scoreless innings as the Detroit Tigers completed a three-game sweep with a 2-0 win Thursday.
AP exclusive: MLB average salary up 11% year after lockout
Read full article: AP exclusive: MLB average salary up 11% year after lockoutThe average Major League Baseball salary was up 11.1% to a record $4.9 million to start this season, the biggest jump for the sport since 2001, according to a study by The Associated Press.
Mets place Verlander on IL with muscle strain on opening day
Read full article: Mets place Verlander on IL with muscle strain on opening dayThe New York Mets placed Justin Verlander on the injured list with a strained upper back muscle on opening day, sidelining the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner before his first appearance with the team.
Astros celebrate, Cubs-Cardinals in London mark schedule
Read full article: Astros celebrate, Cubs-Cardinals in London mark scheduleBaseball's 2023 season begins with another celebration for the Houston Astros, and Jacob deGrom returns to New York on another big day on this year's major league schedule.
Push-button pitching: MLB to let pitchers call own signals
Read full article: Push-button pitching: MLB to let pitchers call own signalsIn yet another nod to technology, Major League Baseball will permit pitchers in spring training to wear wristbands that will let them signal to the catcher what’s coming next.
Verlander: Mets move ‘a leap of faith’ that ‘has paid off’
Read full article: Verlander: Mets move ‘a leap of faith’ that ‘has paid off’Justin Verlander says owner Steve Cohen and his willingness to spend his hedge-fund fortune on building a World Series-contender is the reason he joined the New York Mets.
Baker's World Series title among best sports moments of 2022
Read full article: Baker's World Series title among best sports moments of 2022Dusty Baker finally got his elusive championship with the Houston Astros, garnering his first World Series ring in 25 years as a manager in one of the most memorable moments of the year in sports.
6 Houston Astros players selected to All-MLB team
Read full article: 6 Houston Astros players selected to All-MLB teamLet’s go Astros! Six players, including 2B Jose Altuve, DH Yordan Alvarez, RHP Ryan Pressly, OF Kyle Tucker, LHP Framber Valdez and RHP Justin Verlander, have been named to the All-MLB Team presented by Arm & Hammer and OxiClean.
Justin Verlander signs with New York Mets, reports say
Read full article: Justin Verlander signs with New York Mets, reports sayJustin Verlander, the Cy Young winner who pitched for the Houston Astros during their World Series championship run, is reportedly signing with the New York Mets, according to multiple reports.
One big deal down, now the Astros are eyeing more talent for 2023 team
Read full article: One big deal down, now the Astros are eyeing more talent for 2023 teamHey guys, it’s Ari Alexander checking in with the Astros on the eve of the 2022 Winter Meetings in San Diego. The Astros have already made one huge splash this week and owner Jim Crane says he’s not done.
Discussions and deals underway for key Houston Astros players this offseason
Read full article: Discussions and deals underway for key Houston Astros players this offseasonHi everybody, this is KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy checking in with this week’s Astros newsletter! Hope everyone is still celebrating the 2022 World Champions!