Another key bat not in the lineup on our first prop today with Jacob Wilson. So I’ll pivot to Shea Langeliers. Langeliers has had a great week, and is currently on a six game hitting streak that’s featured two home runs along with three doubles. He gets to see Jason Alexander who he was the catcher for the first couple months of the season. He knows what pitches to look for, and will extend his hitting streak to seven games.

Do I take betting seriously? 100% I get ulcers after a Diamondbacks two-unit play goes wrong as it did last night. I hate to lose money personally and hate to lose for you all. Am a perfectionist with perhaps a shot of OCD. But have to admit, this play is kinda just for my amusement as George Costanza is pitching for Houston. Well, it's Jason Alexander. He has been lights out in the minors this year but not so good in the majors. So won't play much. While I did want to make a Costanza joke today ("Summer of George!") the real reason I will play this is that A's leadoff hitter and All-Star Jacob Wilson is out. OK, 50/50 on the Festivus/Wilson thing.

The Astros have won four straight and take on a slumping A's team that has scored a total of seven runs during its four-game skid. The Athletics' poor fundamentals cost them dearly in a 2-1 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday. Starter Luis Severino pitched well against Houston earlier this season, but lately he can't go more than five innings. Severino is backed by the AL's worst bullpen (5.48 ERA). Jason Alexander, who will start for Houston, was previously with the Athletics. He got the callup after going 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA at AAA.

Rest easy...it's not George Costanza on the mound tonight for the Astros. Rather, it's the other Jason Alexander, the baseball version, who faces his old A's team tonight while getting the start for the surging Astros. Alexander might only be used as an extended opener, but if this turns into a bullpen game, advantage Houston, as the A's have struggled all season with their relievers, and Luis Severino (6.94 ERA since start of June) seems maxed out at five inning in recent starts. A bigger problem right now for the A's might be the offense, which has grinded to a halt in this current four-game spinout, scoring just seven times in this latest slump. Play Astros on Money Line