Jul 15, 2025 - Sports

Astros are hot heading into All-Star break

Jay R. Jordan

Zack Short #38 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a walk off RBI single in the eleventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park — Zack Short celebrates a walk-off RBI against the Texas Rangers on July 12 in Houston. Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Houston Astros finished the first half of the 2025 season with the second-best record in the American League and fourth best in all of MLB.

Why it matters: Houston is on fire even as the team deals with injuries to key position players and pitchers.

Driving the news: The Astros (56-40) are five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners (51-45) in the AL West division.

Only the Detroit Tigers (59-38) have a better record among AL teams going into Tuesday's MLB All-Star game.
In the National League, only the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-39) and Chicago Cubs (57-39) have better records this season.

The intrigue: Several starters are still recovering from injuries suffered during the season, including short stop Jeremy Peña and outfielders Yordan Álvarez, Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick.

Newcomer outfielder Zach Dezenzo also remains on the injured list.

Houston's starting rotation has also been ailing, with Ronel Blanco, Luis Garcia, Spencer Arrighetti and Cristian Javier all still injured.

Yes, but: Those injuries haven't stopped Houston from remaining a serious contender for the 2025 World Series.

Jose Altuve has been settling into his new role in left field. Rookie right fielder Cam Smith also continues to prove his mettle on defense and at the plate.

The bottom line: Buckle up. October baseball is right around the corner.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show Cam Smith is playing right field (not third base).

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Astros are hot heading into All-Star break

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