Welcome to the Thursday Boil.
Here’s your Thursday Boil.
They dropped a pair first, but the Astros claimed the season series against the A’s, which they now lead 7-3 with three games remaining. The most impactful player by WPA? Hunter Brown, over Jose Altuve.
Houston Astros News
First-place Astros make AL history with winning mark at Coliseum
Astros bid farewell to Oakland Coliseum in final scheduled visit before A’s move (Houston Chronicle)
Astros insider: Hunter Brown gives off ‘ace feeling’ amid an invaluable stretch (Houston Chronicle)
Astros salute Mariners fan who grabbed historic Yordan Alvarez ball, announce Aledmys Diaz’s return (ABC)
Astros’ trade deadline pursuit of a superstar could have disastrous consequences (CTH)
Hunter Brown cruises in Oakland. Is he becoming Astros’ ace? (Beaumont Enterprise) — Prior to the 2023 season, I cited Brown as one of four possible aces up Houston’s sleeve, but he sorta bottomed out. The bounceback has been sweet.
AL West News
A’s: In the right-field stands, an Oakland A’s die-hard faces an empty future (NY Times)
John Fisher is ruining the A’s trade deadline plans, too (FS)
M’s: Losses, hitting woes, injuries piling up for reeling Mariners (Seattle Sports)
Halos: Angels’ Mike Trout to leave rehab assignment for re-evaluation (OC Register)
Mallcops: Seager leads Rangers against the White Sox following 4-hit performance (FOX)
MLB News
Mets seize bragging rights after commanding Subway sweep
A World Series steal from 15 years ago still sparks trash talk
The Blue Jays should be willing to trade anybody on their roster (YB)
Ray goes 5 no-hit innings in ‘super special’ Giants debut
Padres’ ‘relentless’ offense at its best in 12-run, 20-hit rout of Nats
Cooperstown Notebook: The 2024 Progress Report, Part I (FG)
Let’s Make Some Deadline Trades! (2024 Edition) (FG)
NL contender in trouble with All-Star facing possible season-ending injury (YB)
Four-time Gold Glove winner announces plans to retire after 2024 season (YB)
Why Line Drive Rate Isn’t Sticky (FG)
Tempers flare as Red Sox, Rockies benches clear
Houston Astros Birthdays
C Korey Lee (26) was four-for-25 in 12 games for the 2022 World Champion Astros.
OF Alex Presley (39, no relation) appeared in 97 games for the 2014 and 2015 Astros, compiling a .2424.283/.342 line with six jacks and 20 RBI.
LHP Billy Wagner (53) pitched the first nine seasons of his 16 season career with Houston, pitching 379 times in relief. He racked up a 2.53 ERA, 694 K’s in 504 1⁄3 innings, and a 1.039 WHIP. He also saved 225 games, going 26-29 in the process.
RHP Doug Drabek (62) made 118 rotation starts for Houston from 1993 through 1996, making the All-Star Team in 1994. He was 38-42 with a 4.00 ERA and a 1.319 WHIP.
IF Mick Kelleher (77) appeared in 19 games for the 1973 Astros, going nine-for-57.
LHP Fred Scherman (80) came out of the pen 16 times for the 1975 Astros, with a 1.531 WHIP and a 5.10 FIP.
RHP Larry Sherry (1935-2006) was 1-2 with a 4.87 ERA in 40 2⁄3 innings for the 1967 Astros.