MLB Game Preview: Colorado Rockies (38-94) vs. Houston Astros (72-60)

Game Details

First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET, with local coverage on Space City Home Network and national coverage on MLB Network.

Pitching Matchup

The Astros will send left‐hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez is 11-7 with a 3.32 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP and 153 strikeouts over 157⅓ innings. He’s logged 18 quality starts and opponents are batting just .234 against him this year.

Countering for Colorado is rookie Chase Dollander (2-10, 6.91 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 68 K). Dollander has struggled with contact management—allowing 10.3 hits per nine—but he’s flashing a mid-90s fastball that could keep Houston’s lineup honest early.

Team Overviews

Houston boasts a prolific lineup at home (38-28 mark), hitting .254/.318/.401 with 145 home runs and 560 runs scored. Their bullpen ERA ranks 10th in the American League.

Colorado, by contrast, is 17-49 on the road, batting .239/.296/.393 with 133 homers and 491 runs. The club’s 6.00 team ERA and 1.61 WHIP sit 30th in MLB—highlighting their uphill climb at Minute Maid.

Key Storylines

• The fifth meeting of 2025 finds the season series knotted 2-2 through four games.
• Houston has won three of its last five while Colorado has dropped four straight entering the finale.
• Daikin Park’s friendly hitting environment sets an 8-run total and favors offensive clubs in single-digit matchups.
• Playoff-hungry Astros need to win to maintain ground in the AL West chase; Rockies aim to avoid their 95th defeat.

Players to Watch

• Jose Altuve (HOU): .401 slugging, 22 HR and 20 doubles anchoring the heart of Houston’s order.
• Christian Walker (HOU): Nine hits and three homers over his last ten games, a powerhouse against lefties.
• Mickey Moniak (COL): 18 HR and 15 doubles, Colorado’s top power threat even on struggling nights.
• Brenton Doyle (COL): Hot at the dish with three homers in his last ten games, offering speed on the bases.

Betting Outlook

• Astros are 66-65-0 ATS and games go over in 61 of 131 chances; Rockies are 63-68-0 ATS with 63 overs in 131.

Expect Valdez’s command and Houston’s lineup to overwhelm Colorado early. The Astros should jump out to a multi-run lead, allowing Valdez to coast into the late innings.