Welcome to the Thursday Boil!
Houston has now lost eight in a row to the Cincinnati Reds.
If I had to pick one team that “had our number,” I would probably select a team from the National League. Seeing as how we only play three games a year against most of them, I guess Cincinnati is as good as any. Maybe we can watch our boys break the curse of Queen City tonight.
Houston Astros News
After brilliant August, Arrighetti hits snag to open September
Justin Verlander will be in a potential Astros’ playoff rotation…But should he? (Chipalatta)
Astros insider: Spencer Arrighetti aims to learn from a ‘bad day’ against Reds (Houston Chronicle)
How the Astros plan to work Kyle Tucker back into the lineup after a three-month absence (Houston Chronicle)
Astros’ Joe Espada gets brutally honest about losing pitcher’s stuff vs. Reds (ClutchPoints)
AL West News
Halos: Angels overpower Dodgers to gain series split (WFXG)
M’s: Mariners Sign Jesse Hahn To Minor League Contract (MLBTR)
A’s: The A’s Position Player Core Is Emerging (MLBTR)
Arlington: Rangers Place Corey Seager On Injured List (MLBTR)
MLB News
Shota starts, ‘pen finishes Cubs’ 1st no-no at Wrigley since ‘72!
Giants, Chapman agree to 6-year, $151 million extension
20-year-old rookie fuels Brewers’ unlikely rise: ‘Born to do this (YB)
The Yankees’ Refusal to Open the Door for Jasson Domínguez Could Prove Costly (FG)
Each team’s player with the most to prove down the stretch
MLB September predictions: Playoff races, MVP, Cy Young and more surprises (ESPN)
Falling Behind Aaron Judge Is a Historically Bad Idea (FG)
Red-hot Mets ride Winker’s slam to 7th straight win
Kodai Senga Throws Bullpen Session, Could Return This Season (MLBTR)
Soccer Luminaries Encounter Curious American Ball Sport (FG)
Darvish sees return as a blessing, Padres happy to see him start
Yanks know ‘we need to be better than this’ right now
Henderson passes ‘serious company,’ but O’s can’t complete needed sweep
Houston Astros Birthdays
OF Jeff Baldwin (59) was a 14th-round pick for Houston in 1985, and reached the majors in 1990. He drew a walk, scored a run, struck out twice, and went 0-for-8 in seven games.
SS Camilo Diaz (19) has a .637 OPS at Houston’s rookie level this year, and was just promoted to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers