Astros superstars Yordan Alvarez, Cristian Javier to meet fans this Wednesday following World Series win
Astros superstars Yordan Alvarez and Cristian Javier will hold special meet and greet events and sign autographs at two DICKโs Sporting Goods locations following the Astrosโ World Series win in both Katy and in Friendswood this Wednesday.
My Astros prediction, chances of advancing, keys to the series and more
Hello to all of our KPRC 2 viewers over the air and of course digitally on all of our platforms! Thanks for watching! Iโm KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy checking in this week with our Astros newsletter as we catch you up on whatโs happening, and yes, there is plenty!
Scoreless in Seattle (until the 18th inning): ALDS Game 3 between Astros and Mariners makes history for longest post season game with no runs
Once game three of the American League Division Series hit the 16th inning, it had made history. Not for what the teams did, but for what they didnโt. NO ONE scored.
Celebrations erupt on social media after Houston Astros win a division title for the fifth consecutive year
With an afternoon game, there were certainly people glued to TVs, phones, and websites at work and at home watching the Astros secure a spot in the American League Championship Series for an impressive fifth year in a row. Within moments of the win against the White Sox, posts of congratulations and celebrations went up on social media.
Astros dismiss sign-stealing implications by Chisox pitcher
The Houston Astros have found themselves in familiar territory, brushing aside comments by Chicago White Sox reliever Ryan Tepera after he implied they stole signs while winning the first two games of the AL Division Series in their ballpark.
Broadcaster Jim Kaat apologizes for โ40-acreโ comment during ALDS game
MLB Network broadcaster Jim Kaat apologized during Fridayโs AL Division Series game between the Astros and White Sox after saying teams should try to โget a 40-acre field full ofโ players who look like Chicago infielder Yoรกn Moncada.
Astros star Carlos Correa says heโs planning for free agency, sends social media into frenzy
FILE - Houston Astros' Carlos Correa smiles after drawing a walk against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning of Game 2 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, in this Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, file photo. Correa is among roughly 125 players who entered Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, eligible to exchange salary arbitration figures with their teams. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)The dream of keeping the vaunted Houston Astros infield together may be fading, according to star shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa confirmed the Astros offered him a 6-year, $120 million deal that he declined. As pointed out by The Athleticโs Red Sox beat writer Jen McCaffery, the offer mirrors the contract Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts signed in 2019.
Sources: Astros to cap Minute Maid Park attendance at 50% for April
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)HOUSTON โ There is now a definitive number for how many fans will be allowed at Minute Maid Park when the 2021 Houston Astros season begins, KPRC 2 sources said Monday. MLB sources told KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy the Astros will be capping Minute Maid Park attendance at no more than 50 percent for the month of April. The Astros announced last week that single-game tickets for April games will go on sale to the public this Wednesday, March 24. Pre-sale for April single-game tickets begins Monday for insiders and sponsors. https://t.co/n3pirnwZNL pic.twitter.com/qYy5O6Zg0k โ Houston Astros (@astros) March 18, 2021To purchase tickets, click here.
Position battles to watch at Astros spring training
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)HOUSTON โ The Houston Astros are back for the 2021 season after a surprising run to Game 7 of the 2020 ALCS despite a losing regular season. Much of the 2021 Astros are set, but there are a handful of positions up for grabs. Myles StrawThe Astros versatile speedster started one-third of the season in center field last year, setting up as the incumbent for the job. Pedro LeonPossibly the most exciting of the Astros prospects, Houston signed Pedro Leon out of Cuba this offseason. Baez was strong again last season, pitching to a 3.18 ERA as one of LAโs set up pitchers.
Astros announce spring training dates, fans attending games
Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)The Astros have announced details for its 2021 Spring Training. The first workout for Astros pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Feb. 18, with the first full-squad workout scheduled for Feb. 22. There was speculation MLB teams may train at their home stadiums, but the Astros will once again be in West Palm Beach. As noted by Astros PR, โworkout dates for all clubs are subject to change based on Major League Baseball health and safety protocols.โAs for fans, the Astros have said a โlimited number of fansโ will be allowed to attend the spring training games.
Versatile INF La Stella, Giants reach $18.75M, 3-year deal
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN FRANCISCO โ Versatile infielder Tommy La Stella completed an $18.75 million, three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, giving the club a reliable left-handed hitter with a track record of getting on base. Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi values versatility, and La Stella provides it. He played 33 games at second base during the shortened 60-game 2020 schedule, 10 at first, six at third and another nine as designated hitter. The contract includes La Stella making yearly donations to the Giants Community Fund of $10,000 this year, $26,250 in โ22 and $57,500 in โ23. To open room for La Stella on the 40-man roster, San Francisco designated outfielder Luis Alexander Bรกsabe for assignment.
Brantley rejoins Astros to complete unfinished business
Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)HOUSTON โ An erroneous report saying Michael Brantley had agreed to a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays had the outfielder fielding goodbye texts from his Houston Astros teammates most of Wednesday morning. By the afternoon those same teammates were sending him notes of congratulations and welcoming him back after he agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Astros. โThere were a lot of a lot of mixed emotions, obviously, in a small timeframe," Brantley said Monday. He earned $5,555,555 in prorated pay from a $15 million salary as part of a $32 million, two-year deal that included a $2 million signing bonus.
AP source: Twins bolster rotation with $8M deal for Happ
FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2020, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher J.A. The Minnesota Twins and Happ agreed Wednesday, Jan. 20, to a one-year, $8 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The 38-year-old Happ spent the past 2 1/3 seasons with the New York Yankees. Minnesota was third in the AL in 2020 with a team ERA of 3.58. Happ went 12-8 in 2019 and struggled at the start of the pandemic-delayed 2020 season, prompting the Yankees to skip his turn.
AP source: Brantley agrees to $32M, 2-year deal with Astros
Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)HOUSTON โ Outfielder Michael Brantley has agreed to a $32 million, two-year contract with the Houston Astros, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. Brantley spent the last two seasons in Houston after playing for Cleveland for his first 10 MLB seasons. Brantley hit .300 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 46 games in last yearโs pandemic-shortened season. He earned $5,555,555 in prorated pay from a $15 million salary as part of a $32 million, two-year deal that included a $2 million signing bonus.
Houston re-signs Michael Brantley
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)HOUSTON โ The Houston Astros have re-signed left fielder Michael Brantley to a two-year $32 million deal, pending a physical, KPRC 2 Sports confirmed. Brantley has been a standout as Houstonโs left fielder the past two seasons, helping lead the Astros to a World Series and ALCS appearance. Brantley was an All-Star in 2019, hitting .311 with 22 home runs and a 126 OPS+. The Astros left fielder matched the output across 2020โฒs short season, posting the same 126 OPS+, hitting .300 and five home runs. He has also been effective in the playoffs, hitting .311 with four home runs in six seriesโ with the Astros.
White Sox finalize deal with Athletics closer Hendriks
The Chicago White Sox have finalized a $54 million, three-year deal with Oakland Athletics closer Liam Hendriks, another big move as they set their sights on a championship run. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)CHICAGO โ Liam Hendriks saw the talent the Chicago White Sox had and knew he wanted to join the team. Chicago finalized a $54 million, three-year deal with the former Oakland Athletics' closer, another big move as the White Sox set their sights on a championship run. I want to pitch everyday.โHahn acknowledged the White Sox are taking a risk, given Hendriks' age. The White Sox made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and ended a string of seven losing seasons.
LEADING OFF: Rays' Snell, Astros' Valdez meet in ALCS opener
The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.
LEADING OFF: Rays' Snell, Astros' Valdez meet in ALCS opener
The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.
Astros will face Tampa Bay in the ALCS which starts Sunday
All rights reserved)The American League Conference Series matchup is set. The Astros will face the Tampa Bay Rays beginning Sunday night in San Diego at Petco Park. The Rays defeated the New York Yankees, 2-1, in Game 5 of their American League Division Series Friday to win the series and advance. This best-of-seven showdown between the Astros and Rays will be a rematch of last yearโs ALDS won by Houston. Game 1 is set for 6:37 p.m. Sunday while Game 2 is Monday afternoon at 3:07 p.m.
Voit, Torres homer as Yankees beat Rays 5-1 to force Game 5
New York Yankees' Luke Voit, right, celebrates with Gleyber Torres (25) after Voit hit a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in San Diego. Asked the Yankees mentality for Game 5, Voit said, โWe're going to win it." It's a rematch of last yearโs ALDS Game 5 between Houston and Tampa Bay. โWe've seen him," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the third but got just one run, on Brandon Loweโs fielderโs choice.
Correa powers Astros past Aโs 11-6 to clinch ALDS
Carlos Correa hit a go-ahead, three-run homer after Michael Brantleyโs two-run shot in the fourth inning, helping the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 11-6 on Thursday to clinch their home-run heavy AL Division Series in four games. The Astros and Aโs combined for 24 homers โ 12 each โ the most in a postseason series of five games or less. The Astros' sign-stealing scheme used during their title run was revealed last year by former teammate and current Aโs pitcher Mike Fiers, who didnโt pitch in this postseason series. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired. Brantley added a solo shot in the fifth and Altuve had a two-run blast in the seventh that extended the Astros' lead to 11-4.
Bang! Bang! Astros thump away vs Oakland, return to ALCS
Houston Astros' George Springer, left, celebrates with Carlos Correa after the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. โWe have young guys that are leaning on the veterans and the veterans are taking care of them right now. The Astros and A's combined for 24 homers โ 12 each โ the most in a postseason series of five games or fewer. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired. BACK TO THE ALCSThe Astros became the third team in AL history since 1969 to reach four straight AL Championship Series.
Astros' Greinke holds up 2 fingers, then allows HR on slider
Greinke has at times used a hand signal to switch sign sets mid-inning with Laureano. Laureano entered 3 for 22 in the postseason but didn't seem concerned about facing Greinke. Greinke was announced as the Game 4 starter by manager Dusty Baker about three hours before the scheduled first pitch. Greinke, who turns 37 on Oct. 21, threw off flat ground after Tuesday's game and told Baker Thursday morning he was ready to go. โWe hope to get as many quality innings as Greinke can give us and not have too many bullpen innings.
Arozarena powers Rays past Yanks 8-4 for 2-1 lead in ALDS
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO โ The Tampa Bay Rays are unanimous in their praise of Randy Arozarena, who is living up to his nickname, โThe Cuban Rocket." Arozarena hit a shot deep to left leading off the fifth Wednesday night to chase Masahiro Tanaka and give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. On Tuesday night, Rays starter Tyler Glasnow called Arozarena โthe best baseball player on earth right now. He lasted two-thirds of an inning against the Rays on Sept. 2, allowing two-run homers to Arozarena and Mike Brosseau.
Pinder's HR helps rally A's past Astros 9-7, trail ALDS 2-1
Oakland Athletics' Chad Pinder, right, celebrates with manager Bob Melvin after the Athletics defeated the Houston Astros in Game 3 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. And just in case Laureano's words did not get the message across, he ripped a double as the A's got a pair of sacrifice flies in the eighth to rally past the Houston Astros 9-7 on Wednesday and avoid elimination in their AL Division Series. โIt was awesome.โHouston leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and can advance to its fourth straight AL Championship Series with a victory in Game 4 on Thursday. Pinder hit a first-pitch slider to the opposite field for Oakland's fifth homer, a drive chased by right fielder Kyle Tucker until he ran out of room at the short wall. Houston took a 7-4 lead with five runs in the fifth, when the Astros sent 10 batters to the plate.
Stanton's 2 big homers not enough to power Yankees in Game 2
For the first time in his three seasons with New York, the Yankees' big-money slugger is putting on a fantastic power display in the postseason. Stanton has homered in every one of New Yorkโs four postseason games to tie a franchise feat previously accomplished by only Lou Gehrig and Reggie Jackson. New York's powerhouse lineup struck out a team-record 18 times, also setting a major league mark for strikeouts in a nine-inning postseason game. That's why Stanton likely won't find many positives in his first career multi-homer postseason game, the 33rd of his career overall. Stanton entered this neutral-site series with eight homers and 15 RBIs in just 19 career games at San Diego's beautiful downtown park.
Rays hit 4 homers, Glasnow fans 10 in 7-5 win against Yanks
It was reminiscent of the mammoth shots he hit in winning the Home Run Derby here in 2016. Stanton has three homers this series and five in four postseason games. His grand slam in the ninth inning Monday night was the Bronx Bombersโ fourth homer in the 9-3 Game 1 win. Stanton, whoโs from Los Angeles, joined Reggie Jackson and Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to homer in four straight postseason games overall. His 10 strikeouts surpass the previous Rays postseason record of nine, done three times.
LEADING OFF: Stanton's HR streak, Kershaw at home, Acuรฑa hit
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:STANTON'S STREAKYankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton has homered in all four of the team's postseason games this year. The two-time NL home run champion is from the Los Angeles area and says โthat SoCal air" is helping the ball fly. If the Dodgers advance to the NL Championship Series or World Series, fans will be allowed at those games. โAt this point I think weโve grown accustomed to it.โAlcantara insisted he didnโt intend to hit Acuรฑa and that Miamiโs game plan is simply to pitch inside to him. Springerโs 17 postseason homers tied Nelson Cruz and Jim Thome for most through a playerโs first 54 postseason games.
Springer hits 2 HRs, Astros beat A's 5-2 for 2-0 ALDS lead
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer celebrate after the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 2 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. The Houston Astros can't miss these days. โWith every victory, the energy and the confidence grows,โ first-year Houston manager Dusty Baker said. Five of Springerโs postseason homers have come at Dodger Stadium, where the Astros beat the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired.
Stanton, Yankees power way to 9-3 win against Rays in opener
The ball was flying for the Rays as well off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in downtown San Diego. Cole beat Tampa Bay twice in last yearโs ALDS while with Houston. Choiโs shot with no outs in the fourth gave Tampa Bay a 3-2 lead. The teams are meeting in the postseason after Tampa Bay dominated the contentious regular-season series 8-2. DEBUTTampa Bay reliever Shane McClanahan became the first pitcher in baseball history to make his big league debut in a postseason game.
Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, celebrates with George Springer after they defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ A home run derby broke out during a hot, dry day at Dodger Stadium, and suddenly the Houston Astros have their swing and swagger back. โWhen you get the leadoff guy (Springer) getting on base every single time, good things are going to happen. Altuve's line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. Chris Bassitt put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on in the fifth with back-to-back singles by Springer and Altuve.
Springer, Correa rally Astros past Aโs 10-5 in ALDS opener
George Springer, MVP of the 2017 World Series, had four hits for Houston. Altuveโs line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. He singled and took second when third baseman Alex Bregman barehanded the ball and threw it past first for an error. Bassitt was cruising along until the Astros jumped on him for three straight hits in the fourth. Bregman homered leading off, Kyle Tucker followed with a single and scored on Correaโs homer to center that tied the game, 3-3.
โThe kidโs a clownโ: Former Yankees ace CC Sabathia has some choice words for Carlos Correa
HOUSTON โ Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia didnโt mince words when he was asked to comment on a postgame interview by Carlos Correa last week. After the Houston Astros swept the Minnesota Twins in the American League wild card game to advance to the American League Division Series, Correa had something to say to the Astros haters. I know a lot of people donโt want to see us here,โ Correa is quoted as saying. @CC_Sabathia and @RyanRuocco discuss Carlos Correa's recent playoff comments on the @R2C2 podcast: pic.twitter.com/x0YfTJB9tQ โ The Ringer (@ringer) October 2, 2020Sabathia went on to question if a playoff win over a team thatโs lost 18-straight playoff games is really something to brag about. The Astros begin their best-of-five American League Division Series stand against the Oakland Aโs on Monday.
Astros out to 'silence the haters' in ALDS against Athletics
FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2017, file photo, the Houston Astros celebrate after Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles. On Monday, Oct. 5, the Astros and the Oakland Athletics will open their ALDS matchup at Dodger Stadium. The coronavirus pandemic largely has protected the Astros from having public scorn heaped on them this season. He hasn't been particularly effective this season, and didn't start against them when the A's took seven of 10 games from the Astros this season. โWe never did anything in our rotation to make him miss the Astros,โ Aโs manager Bob Melvin said.