Brown took the loss in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the White Sox on Wednesday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk over two-thirds of an inning.
It was a disastrous showing from the right-hander in an elimination game for the Astros, as he delivered his shortest outing of the year while retiring just two of the nine batters he faced. The ugly performance comes on the heels of a strong finish to the regular season that saw Brown surrender just two earned runs with 24 strikeouts in his last three outings. He was limited to 20 regular-season starts due to a shoulder strain but was effective when available with a 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 124:55 K:BB across 107.1 innings.
Astros' Isaac Paredes: In lineup despite knee soreness
Rotowire
Paredes (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat third Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the White Sox.
Per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, Paredes has been dealing with left knee soreness after fouling a ball off his leg. However, while he will not man his usual third base, Paredes is feeling well enough to hit. Nick Allen will handle the hot corner.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Taylor Trammell: Taking seat in Game 2
Rotowire
Trammell is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the wild-card series against the White Sox.
Trammell started in left field in Game 1 but was removed after just one plate appearance following a sacrifice bunt. With Yordan Alvarez playing left field in Game 2, Trammell will begin the festivities on the bench.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Daulton Varsho: Done for season after wrist scope
Rotowire
Varsho underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Varsho has dealt with chronic inflammation in his wrist caused by cysts, and he opted to have those cysts removed Tuesday. The operation will prevent Varsho from being an option for the Astros during the postseason, but he should be fine in time for spring training. An impending free agent, Varsho slashed .221/.281/.355 with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases over 140 games this season between the Blue Jays and Astros.
Okert (hamstring) is not included on the Astros' wild-card roster against the White Sox, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Okert has been out since early September while recovering from a strained right hamtring. He threw a bullpen session Monday, but it wasn't enough to convince the Astros he was ready. Okert could be in play for the ALDS, should his club advance.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Ethan Pecko: Nursing undisclosed injury
Rotowire
Pecko is dealing with an undisclosed injury and is not on the Astros' wild-card series roster versus the White Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Pecko tossed three scoreless relief innings in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Athletics, but he apparently came out of the appearance with an injury. It's unclear what exactly he's dealing with, or whether he could be in play for the ALDS if the Astros advance.
Blubaugh will start for the Astros on Tuesday in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series versus the White Sox, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Blubaugh is capable of covering multiple innings, but it will be a bullpen game for the Astros. The right-hander made 64 appearances for Houston this season in a relief role, collecting a 3.66 ERA and 94:42 K:BB over 96 frames. Hunter Brown will get the ball on normal rest for the Astros in Game 2 on Wednesday.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Mike Burrows: Option for playoff roster
Rotowire
Burrows (elbow/shoulder) is considered healthy and could be included on the Astros' wild-card series roster versus the White Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Burrows initially landed on the injured list in mid-July with right elbow inflammation, and he later came down with shoulder inflammation. The right-hander has since recovered from those injuries, and Houston is mulling the possibility of adding Burrows to its postseason roster. Burrows has logged an ugly 5.99 ERA and 75:35 K:BB over 94.2 innings in the majors this season and has made only one game appearance over the past month, which gives you an idea as to the state of the Astros' pitching staff that they're considering adding him to the mix.
... See More... See Less
Astros' Steven Okert: Could return for wild-card round
Rotowire
Okert (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Monday and could be included on the Astros' wild-card series roster against the White Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Okert has been shelved since early September with a right hamstring strain, but it sounds like the Astros could get one of their better relievers back in time for the playoffs. The left-hander has logged a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 68:14 K:BB over 67.2 innings this season.
The Astros outrighted Alexander to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.
Alexander passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the 40-man roster. The 33-year-old has been outrighted previously, so he has the ability to decline the assignment and become a free agent. Alexander posted a 9.33 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 18.1 innings with Houston in 2026.
2:15
1:55
0:51
1:08
0:56
0:54
1:31
1:11
1:21
1:20
1:26
1:43
11:20
0:39
1:44
1:45
1:01
1:34
1:57
1:14
