Houston Astros

Astros GM Dana Brown said that Lance McCullers Jr. has resumed throwing. (Source: Ari Alexander on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: McCullers is looking to return after missing the past two seasons. He'll look to be fully healthy heading into spring training.

The White Sox have claimed Penn Murfee off waivers from Houston. (Source: White Sox on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Murfee did not appear for the Astros in 2024 after being pulled from a rehab assignment. If he can stay healthy, he should compete for a spot in the White Sox bullpen in 2025.

The Pirates have claimed Trey Cabbage off waivers from the Astros. (Source: Ari Alexander on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Cabbage will provide depth in the Pirates' organization and likely compete for a bench role in spring training. He posted a .209 average, with one home run, and eight RBI in 45 games last season.

Astros GM Dana Brown said Cristian Javier should return to the Astros by the end of July. (Source: Ari Alexander on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Javier underwent Tommy John surgery back in June so it'll be a little more than one year from that point. He'll likely be available for the final two months of the regular season next year.

Justin Verlander is expected to continue to pitch next season. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Verlander is set to enter free agency this offseason. It is unclear if the Astros are interested in bringing him back.

Yordan Alvarez (knee) returns to the lineup for the Houston Astros for Game 1 of their AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Alvarez is back after missing the end of the regular season with a right knee sprain. The left-handed slugger will bat second and occupy the designated hitter spot against Detroit ace Tarik Skubal Tuesday.

Framber Valdez has been named the starting pitcher for the Houston Astros for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series against either the Kansas City Royals or the Detroit Tigers. (Source: Julia Morales on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Valdez will look to set the tone on the mound for manager Joe Espada, with the left-handed ace either matching up against Kansas City left-hander Cole Ragans or Detroit ace Tarik Skubal in the series opener.

Alex Bregman is back in the lineup for the Houston Astros against the Cleveland Guardians Sunday. (Source: Houston Astros on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Bregman returns after sitting out for rest reasons Saturday, starting at third base and batting third against the Guardians for manager Joe Espada Sunday.

Cesar Salazar is in the starting lineup for the Astros Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Salazar will start behind the plate and bat ninth against the Guardians. He is hitting .320 with eight RBI in limited playing time this season.

Mauricio Dubon is in the starting lineup for the Astros Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Dubon will start in center field and bat eighth against the Guardians. He is hitting .269, with four home runs, and 47 RBI this season.

Jose Altuve is in the starting lineup for the Astros Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Altuve will leadoff and man second base against the Guardians. He is hitting .295, with 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and 22 stolen bases this season.

Jeremy Pena is back in the lineup for the Houston Astros against the Cleveland Guardians Saturday. (Source: Houston Astros on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Pena returns after taking a seat on the bench for routine rest Friday night, starting at shortstop and batting leadoff against the Guardians for manager Joe Espada Saturday.

Ronel Blanco delivered a stellar performance in Friday's 5-2 win against the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: He allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out three over five innings. This outing underscores Blanco's reliability this season, marked by a strong 2.80 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 29 starts. His ability to maintain a low BABIP (.221) and a decent strikeout rate (8.9 K/9) continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. While his FIP stands at 4.24, suggesting some luck in his results, his consistent performance, including increasing his win tally to 13, should keep him in good standing in fantasy rotations.

Zach Dezenzo went 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI in the Astros' 5-2 win over the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: The third baseman's performance included his second homer of the season and a pair of strikeouts. Despite the occasional power display, Dezenzo's season has been marred by high strikeout rates and a low batting average, sitting at .228 through 18 games. His .276 wOBA and .324 BABIP suggest some potential for improvement, but fantasy managers should remain cautious, as his consistent contact issues could limit his value in most formats.

Victor Caratini went 1-for-5 with a home run and an RBI in the Astros' win over the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact: His solo shot contributed to the team's victory, but his three strikeouts in the game highlight an ongoing concern. Caratini's performance this season has been decent for a catcher, maintaining a .270 batting average with eight home runs and 30 RBI over 86 games. His power numbers are respectable for his position, but his high strikeout rate and relatively low walk rate limit his upside in fantasy formats that penalize for strikeouts or reward for OBP. While he provides some occasional pop, his inconsistency at the plate makes him a risky play in shallower fantasy leagues.

Kyle Tucker went 3-for-5 with an RBI as the Astros topped the Guardians 5-2.

Fantasy Impact: While Tucker didn't manage to score or significantly impact the game with extra-base hits or stolen bases, his ability to consistently get on base was a key part of the Astros' offense. This performance is a continuation of a solid season for Tucker, who maintains a .287 batting average and a robust .418 wOBA, indicating his effectiveness at creating runs. His balanced approach at the plate, evidenced by his equal walk and strikeout rates, should keep him as a reliable option in fantasy lineups.

The Astros optioned Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Fantasy Impact: Whitcomb struggled at third base last series against the Mariners where he committed several errors. Zach Dezenzo was recalled as the corresponding move.

Yusei Kikuchi delivered a stellar performance, allowing no earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight over six innings in Wednesday's 8-1 loss to the Mariners.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the strong outing, Kikuchi was saddled with the loss, dropping his record to 9-10. His season-long metrics, including a 4.05 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, suggest a level of inconsistency, but performances like this showcase his potential upside. With a solid 10.6 K/9 and a 4.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Kikuchi remains a viable fantasy option, particularly in formats that reward strikeouts. However, his win-loss record and occasional rough starts could be a concern for risk-averse fantasy managers.

Chas McCormick (hand) will not accompany the Astros in Cleveland this weekend. He will not return for the rest of the regular season. (Source: Chandler Rome on X)

Fantasy Impact: McCormick will take live at-bats and work with team doctors and staff in Houston in hopes of being ready to go for the playoffs. Jason Heyward will likely continue to fill in for the rest of the week.

Jake Meyers is in the starting lineup for the Astros Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact: Meyers will cover center field and bat ninth against the Mariners. He is hitting .220, with 13 home runs, 61 RBI, and 11 stolen bases this season.