Houston Astros

Framber Valdez dazzled on Friday, tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out seven in an 8-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores Valdez's consistency and effectiveness this season, enhancing his already impressive stats. With a season ERA now improved to 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.09, he continues to be a reliable asset for fantasy teams, particularly in categories like ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. His ability to maintain a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio and keep the ball in play with a low BABIP suggests sustained success. Fantasy managers should continue to view Valdez as a top-tier starting pitcher option in all formats.

Mauricio Dubon went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the Astros' 8-0 victory over the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: This performance marked a notable uptick in Dubon's season, pushing his batting average slightly higher to the .265 mark and adding to his totals of 92 hits and 44 runs scored. While Dubon's power numbers remain modest with only four homers on the year, his ability to put the ball in play and minimize strikeouts continues to provide value in formats that reward contact hitting. His consistent playing time and multi-hit games like this one make him a viable option in deeper fantasy leagues, especially given his low strikeout and decent on-base skills.

Jose Altuve went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the Astros' 8-0 rout of the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact: His performance included driving in a run and drawing a walk, contributing significantly to the team's offensive explosion. Altuve's consistent hitting this season, with a .297 average and 166 hits, continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups, especially in categories like runs scored and batting average. His ability to mix in some power with 18 homers and maintain a solid base-stealing threat with 20 steals adds to his well-rounded fantasy profile. Owners should continue to deploy him with confidence as a top-tier second baseman.

Yordan Alvarez went 2-for-4 in the Astros' 8-0 win over the Diamondbacks, delivering two home runs and six RBI.

Fantasy Impact: This performance underscores his pivotal role in Houston's lineup, where his power-hitting capabilities continue to shine. Alvarez's two homers not only contributed significantly to the team's victory but also bolstered his season totals to 32 home runs and 79 RBI. His consistent ability to drive in runs and score, evidenced by his .310 batting average and .404 wOBA, makes him a top-tier fantasy asset. Fantasy managers should continue to view Alvarez as a must-start player due to his potent bat and central role in a high-scoring Astros offense.

The Astros have designated Parker Mushinski for assignment. (Source: Astros on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Mushinski will be moved off the 40-man roster to make room for the returning Kyle Tucker. He will hit the waiver wire.

The Astros have optioned Zach Dezenzo to Triple-A Sugar Land. (Source: Astros on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Dezenzo will head back to the minor leagues to make room for the returning Kyle Tucker. He should return to Sugar Land and see the bulk of the starts at first base.

Kyle Tucker (shin) has been activated from the 60-day IL. (Source: Houston Astros on X)

Fantasy Impact: Tucker finally makes his return to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to what was later revealed to be a shin fracture. He has been working out with the team for a few days and shouldn't have any restrictions going forward.

Hunter Brown delivered a stellar performance, allowing no earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings in Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: Despite his strong outing, Brown's efforts weren't enough to secure a win for the Astros, as they struggled to provide run support. This game underscores Brown's solid season, marked by a commendable 3.41 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP over 27 starts. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate (9.5 K/9) and a respectable strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.93) continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. Moving forward, Brown's consistent performance, especially in limiting runs as demonstrated in this outing, should keep him as a reliable option for fantasy managers seeking stability in their pitching rotations.

The Astros have optioned Forrest Whitley to Triple-A Sugar Land. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Whitley will head to the minor leagues after pitching in Wednesday’s loss. With a need for a fresh arm, Nick Hernandez was recalled in a corresponding move.

The Astros have optioned Cesar Salazar to Triple-A Sugar Land. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Salazar will head back to the minors with Jake Meyers returning from the paternity list. He could return later in the season if the team needs depth behind the plate.

The Astros have recalled Nick Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Hernandez will join the roster to provide a fresh arm for a depleted Astros’ bullpen. He has a 9.00 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in three previous games with the Astros this season.

The Astros have activated Jake Meyers from the paternity list. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Meyers missed the previous three contests while on the paternity list. He is not in the lineup Thursday and will rejoin the team on Friday.

Jon Singleton is in the starting lineup for the Astros Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Singleton will man first base and bat fifth against the Reds Thursday. He is hitting .232, with 13 home runs, and 36 RBI this season.

Jason Heyward is in the starting lineup for the Astros Thursday.

Fantasy Impact: Heyward will patrol right field and bat ninth against the Reds Thursday. He is hitting .207, with six home runs, and 30 RBI this season.

Spencer Arrighetti had a disastrous start, allowing nine earned runs on six hits and three walks over just 0.2 innings in Wednesday's 12-5 loss to the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: This performance significantly tarnishes his season statistics, ballooning his ERA and damaging his WHIP. Given his prior decent strikeout rates and FIP, this game might be an outlier, but it raises concerns about his reliability down the stretch. Fantasy managers should be wary of starting him in critical matchups until he shows signs of a bounce-back. His ability to recover from such a blowout will be crucial for his fantasy relevance.

Victor Caratini is in the starting lineup for the Astros Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact: Caratini will start behind the plate and bat fifth against the Reds Wednesday. he is hitting .277, with six home runs, and 22 RBI this season.

Justin Verlander endured a tough outing, allowing five earned runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: This performance continues a concerning trend for Verlander, whose season ERA has now ballooned to 4.52. His WHIP stands at 1.31, and with a declining strikeout rate of 7.9 K/9, fantasy managers might start feeling uneasy. The increase in walks and hits suggests potential issues with his command or pitch selection, which could be problematic if not addressed. Given these factors, fantasy managers should consider Verlander a risky play, especially in leagues that heavily penalize for earned runs and WHIP.

Yainer Diaz went 2-for-3 with three RBI in the Astros' 5-3 loss to the Reds.

Fantasy Impact: Despite the team's defeat, Diaz's performance was a bright spot, driving in all three of Houston's runs. This game underscores Diaz's consistent ability to contribute RBI, pushing his season total to 78. Maintaining a .300 batting average over 126 games, he has proven to be a reliable source of hits and occasional power, with 16 homers to his credit this year. His low walk rate and moderate strikeout rate suggest he's a contact hitter who relies more on putting the ball in play than drawing walks, which aligns with his solid .331 wOBA. Fantasy managers should continue to value Diaz for his batting average and RBI production as he remains a steady presence in the Astros' lineup.

The Astros are expected to move Ronel Blanco to the bullpen, per Astros general manager Dana Brown. (Source: Chandler Rome on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Blanco will head to the bullpen as the Astros shift back to a five-man rotation. Considering he is already past his previous career high for innings pitched, this will ensure that Blanco is still an option for them in the playoffs.

Chas McCormick is in the starting lineup for the Houston Astros against the Cincinnati Reds Monday. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: McCormick will take the field after being recalled from Triple-A earlier in the day, patrolling center field and batting ninth against the Reds for manager Joe Espada Monday.