The Seattle Mariners had been gradually shrinking the gap in the American League West, and in a Thursday night thriller, they finally caught the Astros (79-68). Fans can certainly point to injuries, as Houston has been without impactful contributors for large stretches of the season, but the lineup is also underachieving.

A day after losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings, the Houston Astros rallied to beat them on Wednesday, 3-2.

A TLANTA - The Houston Astros plan to call up outfield prospect Zach Cole from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of Friday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed.

With Alvarez returning and splitting time between left field and designated hitter, Altuve hadn’t started in left field for the entire month of August—his last appearance there came on July 28. But with Alvarez getting a day off Tuesday, Espada unexpectedly slotted Altuve back into left for the series opener against the New York Yankees.

The Houston Astros have some reinforcements on the way after dropping their third consecutive series on Thursday night ahead of wrapping up their road trip with

Jose Altuve, who has been struggling at the plate, moved down to the cleanup spot for the first time this season for Houston’s series opener against the Blue Jays. Carlos Correa, who primarily hit cleanup the last two weeks, shifted up to the third spot.

BOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves host the Houston Astros on Friday to open a three-game series. Atlanta has a 65-81 record overall and a 35-37 record in home games. The Braves have a 19-34 record in games decided by one run.

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Blue Jays host the Houston Astros to open a three-game series. Toronto is 82-61 overall and 45-24 at home. The Blue Jays have a 67-26 record in games when they record eight or more hits.

To have a son in the same industry as a father is to have a son who can fully appreciate what dad has accomplished.

The Houston Astros are calling up outfielder Zach Cole—the organization’s No. 19 prospect according to MLB Pipeline —ahead of Friday night’s series opener vs. the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, per MLB.com ’s Brian McTaggart.