The Astros are back in action today.

Why it matters: Houston is aiming to bounce back in 2026 after missing the postseason last year for the first time since 2016.

Driving the news: The Astros face the Los Angeles Angels at 3:10pm in Daikin Park.

• Right-hander Hunter Brown, who went 12-9 in 2025 with a 2.43 ERA, will take the mound for Houston.

Flashback: The Astros were marred by player injuries during the 2025 season and finished second in the American League West, despite the mid-season return of infielder Carlos Correa and promising rookies padding the lineup.

Catch up quick: The team is healthier going into 2026 but key players will start on the injured list.

• Outfielder Zach Dezenzo is out after an elbow injury flared up while he was playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, and closing pitcher Josh Hader is out with a bicep injury.
• Three starting pitchers and two more relief pitchers are also on the injured list to start the season, per ESPN.

Yes, but: Shortstop Jeremy Peña, who is "day-to-day" after recovering from a finger injury earlier this month, homered during the Astros' final preseason exhibition Tuesday against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.

The latest: Houston finalized its 40-man roster Wednesday, adding right-handed pitcher Christian Roa and veteran catcher Christian Vázquez.

Between the lines: All eyes are on general manager Dana Brown and skipper Joe Espada.

• Team owner Jim Crane said earlier this year he hasn't discussed extending their contracts past this season and is instead focused on how the team performs in 2026.

What they're saying: "Joe and I have had the conversation that we both want to retire here [in Houston]," Brown told the Houston Chronicle in December.

• "That's our goal," Brown said. "And the way we're going to be able to do that is to put a good team together, win, get deep into the postseason and then our contracts will take care of itself."

The bottom line: Correa ended last year saying, "Next year will be one to remember."

• The next 162 games will be where the rubber meets the road.

The University of Houston men's basketball team has a chance to advance to the Final Four in front of a hometown crowd this week.

Why it matters: The Cougars' road to the Final Four runs through Houston.

Driving the news: The Coogs will face Illinois today in the Sweet 16 at Toyota Center.

• If they advance to the Elite Eight, they'll face either Iowa or Nebraska on Saturday in Houston.

The intrigue: Resale tickets for today's games at Toyota Center start at $375 and go up to $2,800 on AXS, the NCAA's official ticket provider.

What they're saying: "I know people are saying it costs a lot," Houston's athletic director Eddie Nunez told KHOU.

• "Just think of it this way," Nunez said. "You're at home, you don't have to pay for a hotel or travel, you get a chance to cheer on your Coogs here in Houston for a chance to go to the Final Four."

Between the lines: Senior guard Emanuel Sharp touted the team's seventh straight Sweet 16 appearance.

• "Everybody can't do it," Sharp told the Houston Chronicle this week. "We're built for it. We've gotten here every year playing the way we play, Cougar basketball. That's what we are focused on — playing true to our identity."

Flashback: The Coogs lost last year's NCAA championship game in nearby San Antonio.

What's next: Houston tips off against Illinois at 9:05pm.

✈️ The Trump administration sent a larger number of temporary Transportation Security Administration officers to Hobby Airport than to Bush Intercontinental Airport amid hours-long wait times at Bush this week. (New York Times)

🗣️ A Houston City Council member is calling for César Chávez Boulevard in the Magnolia Park neighborhood to be renamed after sexual abuse allegations against the labor leader surfaced last week. (Houston Chronicle)

🛢️ Houston-based Exxon Mobil is assessing Venezuela's oil and gas-producing capabilities to determine if it wants to make future investments in the country. (Reuters)

The Houston Open tees off today in Memorial Park.

Why it matters: The tournament is major stop for the PGA Tour and has given back more than $24 million to the Houston community since 2019.

Driving the news: Dozens of professional golfers will compete in the tournament today through Sunday, with a $9.9 million purse on the line.

• Among the top players: Chris Gotterup, ranked 10th in world, and Min Woo Lee, who won the Houston Open last year.

The latest: Texan Scottie Scheffler, ranked 6th in FedEx Cup standings and No. 1 in the world, withdrew from the Houston Open earlier this week as his wife expects their second child.

• Scheffler is a three-time runner up in the Houston Open.

What's next: Tee times start at 7:10am today.

• Daily tickets start at $67.