MARTIN MALDONADO

In game 148 of the 162-game regular season, the Astros are once again American League West Champions.

Framber Valdez set an MLB record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros build an early lead in an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

Framber Valdez set a major league record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros to an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

Sports Seriously: MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Steve Gardner examine if the Yankees fixed their issues prior to the trade deadline and if they're truly ready for a deep October run.

Sports Seriously: MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Steve Gardner break down the Nationals' trade of Juan Soto how they could be better for it in the long run.

The Houston Astros have interest in multiple catchers at the trade deadline, according to various league sources.

Yordan Alvarez threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7.

Astros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning — nine pitches, three strikeouts — and Martín Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jesús Aguilar each hit two home runs to power the Miami Marlins to their fourth straight win with a 7-4 interleague victory over the Houston Astros Friday night.

Ryan Pressly got Luis Torrens to ground into a game-ending double play with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, preserving the Houston Astros’ 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Rookie Julio Rodríguez hit the first of Seattle’s four home runs off Houston ace Justin Verlander, and the Mariners thumped the Astros 6-1.

José Ramírez homered with four RBIs and Triston McKenzie pitched seven sharp innings to help the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros Monday night.

Martín Pérez pitched his first shutout since 2014, scattering seven singles as the Texas Rangers beat Houston 3-0, ending the Astros’ nine-game home winning streak.

Martín Maldonado hit a three-run double and Jose Altuve added a season-high four hits to back up a strong start by Framber Valdez as the Houston Astros continued their home dominance of the Texas Rangers with a 5-1 win.

Marco Gonzales rebounded from a rocky first start to throw seven solid innings, Adam Frazier had four hits including a two-run triple and two-run double, and the Seattle Mariners opened their home campaign with a 11-1 win over the Houston Astros.

The Astros reached the World Series for the third time in five seasons last year before falling to the Braves in six games.

Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel earn Gold Glove awards for 2021

Here are things to know for Monday, Nov. 1:

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

The Houston Astros overcame a 4-0 1st-inning deficit to come back and beat the Atlanta Braves 9-5, prolonging the World Series and necessitating a Game 6 back at Minute Maid Park.

There are plenty of stars at this World Series, from Freddie Freeman to Jose Altuve.

Atlanta Braves lefty Max Fried had a stretch in his first World Series start when he looked like the ace he has been most of the season.

The Houston Astros bounced back emphatically on Wednesday, tying the series 1-1 with a dominant 7-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

The Houston Astros didn't get off to the best of starts in the World Series, and the early damage inflicted by the Atlanta Braves was enough to key a 6-2 Astros loss in Game 1.

#FortheH - It’s the hashtag that’s been used throughout the playoffs. The phrase indicating the Houston Astros were playing for more than just themselves. They want another championship for the city... for the fans.

With Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the 12th inning and the Houston Astros, after throwing out Shohei Ohtani at the plate to preserve a tie, broke away to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 9-5.

Michael Brantley tied the game with a two-run single in Houston's five-run seventh inning as the AL West-leading Astros rallied for a 5-4 win over the last-place Texas Rangers.

Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, Salvador Perez extended a career high with his 33rd homer and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-1.

Lance McCullers Jr. threw 6 2/3 shutout innings and the Houston Astros withstood the raucous, heckling fans at Dodger Stadium to blank Los Angeles 3-0.

Patrick Sandoval had his no-hit bid broken up with one out in the ninth inning on a soft double by rookie Brent Rooker, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1.

Jose Altuve hit a three-run homer to cap a startling six-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning, setting off a frenzied celebration and lifting the Houston Astros over the New York Yankees 8-7.

Zack Greinke pitched his first complete game since 2017, Carlos Correa homered twice and Martin Maldonado hit a grand slam, leading the Houston Astros over the Toronto Blue Jays 13-1.

Martín Maldonado homered and drove in three runs to back seven solid innings from Zack Greinke, and the Houston Astros defeated the Texas Rangers 10-4 for their fourth straight victory.

Boos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astros’ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.

Boos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astros’ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.

Austin Meadows hit a three-run homer and later scored the go-ahead run on Manuel Margot’s pinch-hit single in the seventh inning as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Houston Astros 5-4.

Shohei Ohtani’s tiebreaking solo home run in the eighth inning helped the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros to snap a four-game skid.

Austin Gomber got his first victory for the Colorado Rockies, allowing two hits over six innings to beat the Astros 6-3 on a wintry afternoon and send Houston to its ninth loss in 10 games.

C.J. Cron homered and drove in five runs, Jon Gray pitched effectively into the seventh inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Tuesday night.

Ty France hit a two-run home run, six Seattle pitchers combined on a one-hitter and the Mariners beat the depleted Houston Astros 7-2.

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The Astros announced Wednesday that five players including Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Martin Maldonado and Robel Garcia are being placed on the IL due to the league's health and safety protocols.

It's incredible to think how hated the Astros are, but only peruse Twitter for a while and you can feel the hate. That was even more evident after the Game 4 win over the A's on Thursday. The Astros blasted Oakland 11-6, hitting four more home runs (both teams had a remarkable 23 in the four-game series) and moving on to the ALCS beginning Monday against the winner of the Rays-Yankees series. Yahoo Sports summed it up with the headline, "Like It or Not, Astros are Back in the ALCS." It was a bit of a surprise that Zack Greinke managed to play in this game.

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. “It was awesome.”Houston 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.

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. “With every victory, the energy and the confidence grows,” first-year Houston manager Dusty Baker said. Five of Springer’s 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.

Springer put Houston ahead to stay with a two-run, two-out drive in the third on a second straight 90-degree day at Dodger Stadium. Yusmeiro Petit came in and promptly gave up Springer’s second homer of the game, extending Houston’s lead to 5-2. Springer’s 17 postseason homers tied Nelson Cruz and Jim Thome for most through a player’s first 54 career postseason games. Five of Springer’s postseason homers have come at Dodger Stadium, where the Astros beat the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. Chris Bassitt didn’t get out of the fourth in Game 1, allowing three runs and nine hits in Wednesday’s defeat.

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer, center, jump in celebration of the Astros 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins 4-1 in Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. They know what it’s like," said manager Dusty Baker, after the Astros became the first team in major league history to win a game after reaching the postseason with a losing record. It didn’t go my way,” said Romo, who has three World Series rings with San Francisco and pitched in his 30th career postseason game. Minnesota’s previous win in the playoffs was notched in New York on Oct. 5, 2004, in Game 1 of the AL division series. UP NEXTThe Astros were waiting until after the game to announce their starter for Game 2, though Valdez's appearance took him out of the mix.

SEATTLE – Martin Maldonado hit a three-run home run, Framber Valdez struck out eight to set career highs for wins and strikeouts, and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 6-1 on Tuesday night to close on their fourth straight playoff berth. Houston (28-27) is second in the AL West, comfortably ahead of the fourth-place Mariners (24-31) and the third-place Los Angeles Angels (25-31). “It's fun when you get some hits,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “Sadler has been so sharp here recently,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "I would say the ability to control his emotions" is the most improved part of his game, Maldonado said.

HOUSTON - In 2017, the Astros lost Game 1 to the Dodgers on their way to winning the World Series. In the 2019 ALCS, the Astros lost Game 1 to the Yankees on their way to winning the pennant. Losing game 1 isn't new, and losing game 1 does not mean there is a reason to panic. COLE IS HUMANThe Astros ace and likely Cy Young winner got tagged for five runs in seven innings. Likely Game 3 starter Patrick Corbin pitched the sixth inning for Washington, and did what he was supposed to do: get lefties out, and out of the game.

STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series:

STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series:

EMBED >More News Videos Daniella said it is enjoyable to watch the hard work all of the Astros have put in throughout the years. HOUSTON, TEXAS (KTRK) -- It's always a family affair when the Astros win.From kids to wives, we can't get enough of seeing the players celebrate on the field with their loved ones.Catcher Robinson Chirino's son had a high-five for everyone after the big win. His jean jacket was bedazzled with orange and blue with their last name across the back.Jose Altuve once again had his daughter Melanie join him for the celebration on the field. He then carried her to greet Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.Pitcher Brad Peacock posed for pictures with his infant son in his arms.Catcher Martin Maldonado carried his daughter on the field. She wore a sweater in support of her favorite player, her dad.George Springer was all smiles with Michael Brantley's kids before he found his parents and his wife Charlise.Justin Verlander's wife Kate Upton was all hugs after the big win.

2019 Getty ImagesNEW YORK - The Astros made some changes to their lineup for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. With Gerrit Cole on the mound, Houston shuffled the batting lineup. Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez flip-flopped in the five and six spot. Josh Reddick gets the start in right field and is batting eighth and Martin Maldonado is catching and hitting ninth. Here's what the lineup looks like as the 'Stros look to take the series lead over the Yankees.

He threw Yandy Diaz out from deep in the SS hole in the left field grass.The Astros nearly opened up scoring in the third inning. Altuve was on second with two outs and while Michael Brantley struck out, it was on a wild pitch. Maldonado was able to send Gurriel home with an RBI single and extended the Astros' lead to 2-0.Cole flat out delivered on Saturday. It was one of the best pitching performances in Astros history.Cole finished the night with 7 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 H and 15 K's. He was able to get a strikeout and a ground-out to finish it off.Game 3 is set for Monday afternoon.

Martin Maldonado #12 of the Astros receives a high five from Abraham Toro #13 after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning at Minute Maid Park. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)HOUSTON - Jose Altuve homered to cap a seven-run eighth inning, Framber Valdez grinded through six gritty innings and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-2 Sunday. Alex Bregman, Abraham Toro, Josh Reddick and Altuve all drove in runs in the eighth. The Astros hope to increase his activity over the coming days including being able to do batting practice and fielding ground balls. Astros: RHP Justin Verlander (15-5, 2.77 ERA) will start the series opener against the Rays on Tuesday after a day off.

Martin Maldonado #12 receives a high five from George Springer #4 after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)HOUSTON - George Springer, Jose Altuve and Martn Maldonado homered to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. Their early offensive surge came on a night Houston starter Aaron Sanchez didn't get out of the third inning. It was the second straight night the Tigers lost despite finishing with more hits than Houston. Astros: RHP Justin Verlander (15-4, 2.81) will make his fourth career start against his former team on Wednesday night.

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)HOUSTON - Wade Miley had another solid start and the Houston Astros backed him up with a season-high six homers to rout the Seattle Mariners 10-2 on Friday night. Carlos Correa and Aledmys Diaz also homered for Houston, which improved to 10-1 against the Mariners this season. Daniel Vogelbach hit a two-run homer for the Mariners, who lost their second straight after winning their previous six games. Houston got things going when Alvarez sent the second pitch of the second inning into center field for his 13th homer. Miley walked three Mariners early, but didn't allow a hit until Tom Murphy legged out a single on an infield grounder with one out in the fifth.