The Astros went 1 and 2 this stretch, dropping the series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. They lost the opener 3-7, took the middle game 9-3, then dropped the finale 5-6. That series loss cost them a little ground. Houston sat 2 games back in the American League West on July 8 and now sits 3 games back, with the Rangers themselves going 3 and 1 over this stretch to take over the division lead from the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are now at 47 wins and 51 losses on the season, and they've gone 4 and 6 over their last ten games.
The one win in that Rangers series was a good one to watch. LaMonte Wade Jr. (RF) hit a home run and drove in 4 runs on July 11. Yordan Alvarez (LF) went deep too that day, with 2 hits in 3 at bats and 2 RBI. Peter Lambert picked up the win that day as well, going 6 innings with just 1 earned run and 7 strikeouts. Zoom out over the whole stretch and Alvarez was the standout, hitting .600 with 6 hits in 10 at bats, 2 home runs and 3 RBI across the three games. Yainer Diaz (C) also went deep in the July 10 loss.
Since then it's been quiet. The Astros last played July 12, and the league paused for the MLB All-Star Game on July 14. There's been no roster news to speak of. Play resumes Friday, July 17, when the Astros host the Baltimore Orioles at Daikin Park for a three game series, first pitch at 5:10 PM.