Houston Astros carry momentum into series vs. Texas Rangers

Two teams trending in different directions meet when the Houston Astros begin a four-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

Houston has won three straight games and four of its last five, while the Rangers were swept in three games against the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend. Texas returns home after going 3-6 on its nine-game road trip.

The Astros are continuing their 10-game trip after completing a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

First baseman Christian Walker has hit three home runs over the last two games, including a three-run blast in Sunday's 8-5 victory.

"I think we're feeling the momentum, we're feeling good," Walker said. "I think it's about not getting complacent and just keeping our foot on the gas pedal. This team is capable of a lot of really good things."

The Astros played Sunday's game without designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who sat out for the first time this season. Alvarez exited Saturday's game due to a back spasm, but he is expected to be available as soon as Monday.

After going 8-18 in April, Houston is now just 4 1/2 games out of first place in the American League West.

"The energy feels great in this clubhouse," Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena said.

"Even when we were going through that rough patch, everyone kept their head up, everyone kept their chest out, no one gave in. That's why we are a great ballclub. We play for each other. And that's what we're going to keep doing."

The pitching matchup for the series opener features a pair of right-handers as Houston's Tatsuya Imai (1-2, 8.31 ERA) faces the Rangers' Kumar Rocker (2-4, 3.60).

Imai, 28, turned in an encouraging outing last Monday, allowing three runs over 4 2/3 innings in a 6-3 road loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Imai bounced back from a shaky outing on May 12, when he gave up six runs over four frames in a 10-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners. He walked none and struck out five against Minnesota.

Imai is set to make his first career appearance against Texas.

The Rangers will counter with Rocker, 26, who has never faced the Astros. He pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 10-0 road win over the Colorado Rockies last Tuesday.

Texas manager Skip Schumaker had reliever Tyler Alexander start that game in an attempt to address Rocker's struggles in the first inning this season. Rocker responded by allowing three hits with seven strikeouts.

"He's a bulldog," Texas catcher Danny Jansen said. "He competes every start. Anytime he gets the ball, he competes. He's gonna do his thing. We went with the opener and he came in and handled it like a pro."

The Rangers are monitoring the status of third baseman Josh Jung, who exited Saturday's loss to the Angels with left shoulder soreness. Jung is optimistic about returning to the lineup soon after sitting out Sunday's game.

"I think it scared me more than anything because I had that labrum tear in ‘22," Jung said.

"Initially, it was just like -- I hadn't had any pain or weird sensation in that area in a while. So it freaked me out a little bit. I think it's more precautionary. All the tests were negative, so I think I'm all right."

--Field Level Media