The New York Yankees will try to bounce back on Thursday when they face the Houston Astros in the decisive game of their series. After blowing a 3-0 lead in Wednesday’s clash, New York nearly staged a late rally but fell just short in an 8-7 loss. The defeat added more pressure as the Yankees prepare for a crucial stretch in the race for playoff positioning.
The game will also bring renewed focus on Houston’s Isaac Paredes, who is edging closer to a return after missing significant time with a hamstring injury. The Astros, currently holding a 77-63 record, are hoping his progress can boost their lineup before the season ends. Paredes resumed baseball activities on Wednesday, running at half speed and taking ground balls before the win against New York. He has missed 42 games with a right hamstring strain that once seemed season-ending. His recovery, however, is ahead of schedule.
The 25-year-old infielder was batting .259 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs before his setback. His presence on the field again brought optimism to the Houston clubhouse. Astros manager Joe Espada called the workout an encouraging sign, noting that Paredes appeared confident and happy with his progress. Paredes himself admitted he is not yet at full strength but remains hopeful of returning before the season closes. His comeback could provide a timely spark, especially as Houston prepares for the final push in the standings.
Houston will turn to right-hander Cristian Javier (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Thursday. The 27-year-old recently returned from Tommy John surgery and has looked sharp in limited outings. In his last start, Javier delivered six hitless innings against the Los Angeles Angels, striking out six and walking three. Javier has also enjoyed past success against the Yankees. In six career appearances, including five starts, he owns a 1.99 ERA. His most recent outing against New York came in March 2024, when he threw six scoreless innings.
The Yankees will counter with Carlos Rodon (15-7, 3.18 ERA), one of the American League’s top pitchers this season. Rodon, tied with Max Fried for the league lead in wins, enters the matchup riding a streak of four consecutive victories. Over his last seven outings, he has gone unbeaten with a 5-0 record and a 3.40 ERA. Rodon has dominated the Astros throughout his career, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.51 ERA in 11 starts. His most recent meeting with Houston came in May, when he allowed only two runs over 6 1/3 innings in a 9-4 victory.
The Yankees, now 77-62, must recover quickly after Wednesday’s rollercoaster game. They lost their early three-run cushion, only to mount a late charge in the ninth inning behind a three-run homer from Cody Bellinger. The rally fell short, leaving the Bronx club eager to rebound. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the challenges of a packed schedule, especially with Thursday’s first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. local time, an unusually late start for a travel day. The Yankees will return home immediately afterward to host the Toronto Blue Jays, who currently lead the AL East, in a pivotal three-game series beginning Friday.
Boone emphasized that despite the demanding schedule, the team cannot afford excuses. With the season entering its final stretch, each game carries added importance. The Yankees aim to regain consistency and avoid further setbacks as the playoff race tightens. Thursday’s rubber match between the Yankees and Astros promises high drama, with two standout pitchers set to duel and both teams fighting for momentum. For New York, it is a chance to reset after a tough loss. For Houston, it is another step in welcoming back a key player and strengthening their postseason hopes.
