Houston Astros Host Red Sox with AL West Lead in Jeopardy

The Houston Astros (66-52) are hosting the Boston Red Sox in a crucial series, having recently been swept by Boston earlier this month. Their mediocre August performance (4-5) has seen their American League West lead dwindle to just 0.5 games due to Seattle's surge. Cristian Javier is scheduled to make his first start since elbow surgery for Houston in the series opener.