Clubs going in opposite directions with Houston having won five straight to take over the AL West lead and Texas having dropped four in a row. The Rangers are also four games under .500 away. Kumar Rocker is 0-2 this year vs. the Astros with a 9.28 ERA and .279 OBA in two starts spanning 10.2 innings. On the other side, Peter Lambert just had a 1.88 ERA in five July starts and is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA vs. Texas -- but the Rangers are hitting only .143 off him. Josh Hader pitched Saturday but only a handful of throws so he should be available to close if needed.
Varsho is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Angels.
The Astros selected Pecko's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Diaz is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Angels.
The Astros optioned Ullola to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
The Astros transferred Matthews (knee) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday.
Jansen went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Nationals.
Seager went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Nationals.
Foscue went 1-for-1 with a home run, a walk and two RBI in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Nationals.
Quantrill (5-4) earned the win Tuesday against the Nationals, allowing four hits while striking out five over seven scoreless innings. He did not issue a walk.
Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Angels.
