Houston Astros Wiretap

The Houston Astros signed outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and promoted catcher Collin Price to the major league roster Thursday.

Price will take the place of backup catcher César Salazar, who was designated for assignment Thursday.

Wade, who was released by the White Sox on Monday, has been in Triple-A all season. His last appearance in the majors came last season when he played 30 games for the Angels. A seven-year MLB veteran, Wade has also played for the Twins and Giants.

The Houston Astros have pitched several combined no-hitters. This one might have been the biggest surprise.

Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw six hitless innings after walking three of the first four batters he faced Monday night. Steven Okert then got three outs before Alimber Santa made his major league debut and retired the final six hitters to complete the Astros' 17th regular-season no-hitter -- four of them combined efforts -- in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers.

"The first inning, you never thought that this was going to be the outcome of the game," manager Joe Espada said. "Imai, he continued to compete. ... He continued to pound the zone, he fought through it. Six strong innings, and then the rest is history."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has a Grade 2 left oblique strain and will be placed on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said Sunday.

Altuve had an MRI following an awkward swing in which he didn't run after hitting a grounder to third base in the eighth inning of Saturday's victory against the Texas Rangers. He didn't play Sunday. 

Espada didn't provide a timeline for how long they expect Altuve to be out.

Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa will miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a complete tendon tear in his left ankle, the 31-year-old confirmed to reporters Wednesday. He is expected to undergo surgery, with a recovery timeline of six to eight months.

Correa said the injury occurred Tuesday during a routine batting cage session before Houston's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"It just completely snapped on me and then I fell to the ground," Correa said. "I couldn't put weight on it. Right away, I knew something was wrong."

The veteran infielder was batting .279 with 3 home runs and 16 RBIs across 37 games this season, splitting time between shortstop and third base.

"Very tough," Correa said. "Not what I was expecting, but now it's time to deal with it, face it head on, and focus on the rehab."

Correa is playing under the six-year, $200 million contract he signed with the Minnesota Twins in January 2023. Approximately $103.4 million remained on the deal at the time of his trade to Houston last season, with the Twins covering roughly $33 million of that balance. The contract runs through the 2028 season, with a 2029 option that could extend his commitment further.

The loss represents a significant blow to Houston's roster. Correa is represented by WME Baseball agents Richard Cook and Jon Rosen.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown offered a public backing of Joe Espada on Sunday, telling The Athletic that the team is not considering a managerial change amid its slow start to the season.

The Astros are 11-18 after salvaging a three-game series against the New York Yankees with a 7-4 win Sunday in Houston.

Speaking to The Athletic before the game, Brown said Houston's problems don't fall on Espada, its third-year manager.

"No. Joe is managing through the injuries," Brown told the outlet. "We are all watching what's going on.

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on Space City Home Network (Astros feed) and Bally Sports Great Lakes (Guardians feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Houston Astros (8-15) head into Progressive Field this Monday, April 20, in desperate need of a spark. Houston has struggled significantly away from home early in 2026, carrying a brutal eight-game road losing streak into this three-game set. They face a Cleveland Guardians (13-10) squad that currently sits atop the AL Central and has looked comfortable at home with a 7-3 record.

Houston’s offense is looking to bounce back behind Yordan Alvarez, who has been a bright spot with six home runs in his last 10 games. However, injuries have ravaged the Astros' depth, with Jeremy Peña and Joey Loperfido recently landing on the IL. Cleveland counters with a disciplined lineup led by perennial All-Star José Ramírez, who leads the team with six home runs and remains one of the toughest outs in the league. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The individual matchups center on a battle of young right-handers. Houston turns to Spencer Arrighetti (1-0), who has been a revelation with a 1.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. He faces Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi (0-2), who is searching for his first win of the season despite a high 5.03 ERA. You can witness this American League clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for Houston is whether they can find rotation stability while stars like Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown recover from shoulder strains. For the Guardians, maintaining their efficiency with runners in scoring position will be key, as they are 10-4 when recording at least eight hits. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Astros vs. Guardians Betting Odds & Predictions

The Guardians enter the opener as slight favorites at home. While Arrighetti has been the better pitcher statistically, Houston’s struggles on the road have oddsmakers leaning toward Cleveland.

Prediction: Spencer Arrighetti gives Houston a real chance to snap the skid, but Cleveland’s bullpen remains one of the best in the AL. Expect a tight contest that hinges on late-inning execution. Final Score: Guardians 5, Astros 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Yordan Alvarez against the high-velocity arsenal of Slade Cecconi. Alvarez has been scorching lately, leading the Astros in multiple offensive categories.

Cleveland relies on the power of José Ramírez and the recent emergence of Angel Martinez, who is batting .350 over his last 10 outings.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Space City Home Network and BSGL, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Astros or Guardians.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Astros as they seek to navigate early-season hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai acknowledged Tuesday that adapting to American life has proven more difficult than anticipated, with his interpreter indicating the adjustment challenges both on and off the field may have contributed to the arm fatigue that landed him on the injured list.

"He's not able to adjust to the American lifestyle," interpreter Shio Enomoto said. "Baseball and outside of baseball. That's probably the reason for his arm fatigue."

Imai, 27, made three starts for Houston before being shut down. He carries a 7.27 ERA across 8 2/3 major-league innings. Imaging on the arm has returned encouraging results, manager Joe Espada said, though no timeline has been established for Imai to resume throwing.

"I think the strength of the arm is still not quite there yet, but it's coming around. All the tests have come back with no issues. Just trying to get that strength back," Espada said. "Once the arm strength starts coming back, then we can start talking about him playing catch."

Imai pointed specifically to travel demands and meal timing as disorienting factors after the Astros completed a three-city, 10-game road trip through Sacramento, Denver, and Seattle.

"The timing when the players eat. In Japan, when they get back to the hotel, they eat their dinner. Here, the players eat at the stadium," Imai said through Enomoto. "He thinks, even though he's on the IL right now, he thinks it's a positive thing to try and adjust and try to become better."

Imai signed a three-year, $54 million contract this past winter and is the first Japanese player the Astros have signed directly from Nippon Professional Baseball. He logged just one out in his final start Friday against Seattle, citing cold weather and an unusually firm mound at T-Mobile Park as additional obstacles.

Despite the struggles, Imai said he has no plans to significantly alter his routine. He has been pitching on five days rest, consistent with Japan's six-man rotation model, and continued throwing bullpen sessions the day before starts, a habit carried over from NPB. He also noted difficulties gripping major-league baseballs, which are smoother than those used in Japan.

Imai is one of three Houston starters currently on the injured list without a clear return date.

Monday’s divisional finale will be broadcast locally on Space City Home Network (Astros feed) and Mariners.TV (Mariners feed), with additional streaming on ESPN+. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Houston Astros (6-10) enter Monday afternoon in a state of desperation, facing the prospect of a four-game series sweep at the hands of the Seattle Mariners (7-9). Houston's early 2026 campaign has been defined by a 7-game road losing streak and a pitching staff ravaged by injuries. Seattle, meanwhile, has found its footing at T-Mobile Park, leaning on a resilient rotation and a 3-game winning streak to climb back toward .500.

Expect a heavy-duty mound performance from Seattle’s George Kirby, whose elite command (0.90 WHIP) has been a nightmare for opponents. Houston counters with Mike Burrows, who is looking to settle in after a rocky start to the month. Despite their record, the Astros remain dangerous with Yordan Alvarez anchoring a lineup that still possesses elite power. Catch every high-stakes inning live on Fubo.

The individual matchups center on Kirby’s ability to navigate Houston’s veteran core. While the Astros have struggled to score recently, Alvarez and Jose Altuve have historically performed well in high-leverage situations. For Seattle, Brendan Donovan has been a spark plug at the top of the order, creating constant pressure on Houston’s thin rotation. You can witness this AL West clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for Houston is their injury report, which reads like an All-Star roster. With Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier sidelined, the bullpen has been forced into high-usage scenarios early. Conversely, the Mariners are looking to capitalize on this vulnerability to leapfrog Houston in the division standings. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Astros vs. Mariners Betting Odds & Predictions

The Mariners enter the finale as clear favorites. Between Kirby's home dominance and Houston's current 7-game road skid, oddsmakers are backing the home team to complete the sweep.

Prediction: George Kirby’s ability to limit walks (14.9% K-BB%) should neutralize a frustrated Houston lineup. While Burrows will keep it competitive early, Seattle's bullpen momentum should prevail. Final Score: Mariners 5, Astros 2.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features George Kirby against Yordan Alvarez. Kirby’s 115 Location+ score will be tested by the league's most disciplined power hitter.

Houston relies on Altuve and Alvarez to ignite an offense that has struggled to find traction away from Minute Maid Park.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Space City Home Network and Mariners.TV, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Astros or Mariners.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Astros as they seek to navigate early-season hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phil Garner, a three-time All-Star infielder who went on to manage the Astros to their first World Series appearance, has died. He was 76.

Garner's family issued a statement Sunday saying he had died Saturday after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

"Phil never lost his signature spark of life," Garner's son, Ty, said in a statement. "He was so well known for his love for baseball, which was with him until the end."