Astros vs Blue Jays Preview: Pitching Clash in Week 65

The Astros roll into Rogers Centre down 2-4 from yesterday's loss. Both teams are hot right now—Houston has won one straight, Toronto too. The Blue Jays sit at 38-39, just one game ahead of Houston's 37-42 record. This matchup matters for playoff positioning. Peter Lambert takes the mound for Houston against Shane Bieber, who leads Toronto's rotation. Injuries hit Houston hard—shortstop Carlos Correa needs ankle surgery and won't return until 2027. Jeremy Peña left yesterday with a hamstring cramp. Toronto's pitching is banged up too, with Max Scherzer dealing with back spasms. Both teams need wins to climb the standings.

Peter Lambert gets the start for Houston, but the rotation is in trouble. Cristian Javier just finished rehab and might return this weekend—he's been out since April with a shoulder injury. Tatsuya Imai, Houston's new pitcher from Japan, is still adjusting to the big leagues. The good news? Josh Hader, one of baseball's best closers, is healthy and ready to shut down late-game situations. Toronto counters with Shane Bieber, a veteran starter with tons of experience. The Blue Jays' staff includes ace Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease. Both bullpens will play huge roles today.

You're watching two teams trying to stay in the playoff race. Houston's win streak is climbing, and Toronto matched that energy yesterday. The Astros lost some serious firepower with injuries at shortstop—Correa out long-term, Peña banged up, Allen and Nick Allen dealing with hamstrings. Toronto's rotation is healing too, with Scherzer working his way back. These aren't perfect teams, but they're fighting hard. Whoever wins today takes control of the series and puts real pressure on the other squad. The baseball gets personal when wins matter this much.