Astros Reveal Probable Starters for Athletics Series To Wrap Up Homestand

The Houston Astros are coming off a disappointing midweek series loss against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park and are in desperate need of momentum.

The division lead in the American League West is down to one game over the Texas Rangers, and the Astros must take advantage of this weekend series against the Athletics for the final series of this homestand. So far, this light schedule has not gone to plan, as the Astros are 2-4 in their last six games against the Seattle Mariners and Angels.

The Astros have a three-game series ahead against the Athletics, who are now the worst team in baseball with a 49-79 record. The A's are 11-41 since June 20 and this is the perfect opportunity for Houston to get back on track. The pitching matchups also make this possible, at least in the first two games.

Here are the starting pitchers for the series.

Pitching Probables vs A's

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski (39) delivers a pitch. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Friday: Hayden Wesneski vs J.T. Ginn

Saturday: Hunter Brown vs Jacob Lopez

Sunday: TBD vs TBD

Wesneski had a rough last outing against the Mariners on Saturday, giving up five earned runs on seven hits in just four innings. He had been solid for Houston in his first three starts since returning from Tommy John surgery and a successful rehab. He's 2-1 with a 5.16 ERA at the moment.

Wesneski has gone at least 5.2 innings in those three appearances on a good pitch count. This is the chance for the 28-year-old to get back on track. He's shown good command and has the potential to be a real contributor in the rotation.

Meanwhile, Ginn has been one of the reliable arms for the A's this year with an 8-7 record and a 3.53 ERA in 127.1 innings. He came in relief twice against the Astros early in the season, but not as a starter yet in 2026.

Saturday's Starters

Hunter Brown pitche — Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) throws the ball. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Brown hasn't looked like his normal, ace-like self lately and has struggled with his command. He issued five walks his last time out on Sunday, giving up two earned runs through five innings on 90 pitches.

He still has a 3.67 ERA this season in 13 starts. For the Athletics, Lopez has a 5.22 ERA this season in 20 games (17 starts), but has been pitching well lately. He has a 2.36 ERA in his last seven starts.

Sunday's starters haven't been announced yet, but the Astros don't really have many options. Houston may have to go to Cristian Javier on four days' rest. He's the last member of this current rotation turn that hasn't started yet.

Javier did start multiple games on four days of rest at the start of the year, but he didn't have much success. One of those starts was also against the A's, where he gave up six earned runs in three innings on April 3.

Tatsuya Imai just pitched three innings of relief on Thursday, so he won't be able to start.

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