The Houston Astros host the Athletics on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Daikin Park for a 2:10 PM ET first pitch. Cristian Javier gets the ball for Houston against Athletics left-hander Brady Basso in what shapes up as an intriguing afternoon matchup. With the regular season in its final stretch, every game in August carries weight for a Houston club that has historically used this time of year to separate itself from the pack. The Astros send out a lineup loaded with recognizable names, and a strong home performance here would be a statement worth making.

Starting Pitching Matchup: Cristian Javier vs. Brady Basso

Cristian Javier draws the Sunday assignment for Houston. The right-hander has been a fixture in this rotation, and pitching at Daikin Park gives him a familiar environment to work with. Javier's calling card has long been his ability to generate swings and misses, and he will need to be sharp against an Athletics lineup that can make life difficult if pitchers fall behind in counts.

On the other side, Brady Basso takes the mound for Oakland. The left-hander does not carry the same name recognition as some of the arms the Astros face deep in the season, but that does not mean Houston can sleep on him. Unfamiliarity can be a weapon, and the Astros will need to do their homework early to get into a productive rhythm at the plate.

Houston Astros Lineup for Sunday

• Jeremy Peña — SS
• Yordan Alvarez — DH
• Isaac Paredes — 3B
• Jose Altuve — 2B
• Daulton Varsho — CF
• Christian Walker — 1B
• LaMonte Wade Jr. — LF
• Cam Smith — RF
• Christian Vázquez — C

Keys to Watch in Astros vs. Athletics

Yordan Alvarez Sets the Tone

Batting second, Alvarez is the engine of this Houston offense. Getting him into favorable counts early against a left-handed starter will be critical. Basso will not want to put Alvarez on base and then deal with Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve in the middle of the order. If Alvarez is locked in, the Athletics have a very long afternoon ahead of them.

Javier's Command Inside Daikin Park

Pitching at home, Javier needs to establish his fastball and let his secondary stuff do the damage it is capable of doing. If he is throwing strikes early and keeping the Athletics off-balance, this outing has the makings of a quality start. Any issues with command, though, and this game can shift quickly.

Bottom of the Lineup Producing

LaMonte Wade Jr., Cam Smith, and Christian Vázquez batting seventh through ninth gives Houston a chance to extend rallies and keep pressure on Oakland's bullpen if the Astros get runners moving through the top of the order. Productivity from the bottom third is often the difference between a big inning and a wasted opportunity.

Prediction

Javier pitching at home against a less-established starter tips the scales toward Houston. The Astros lineup has enough firepower — particularly with Alvarez, Paredes, and Altuve in consecutive spots — to put up multiple crooked numbers. Expect the Astros to control this one from the middle innings on. Astros 6, Athletics 3.

Coverage begins at 2:10 PM ET on Space City Home Network and NBCSCA. Radio listeners can tune to KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, with Spanish-language coverage on KLTN-TUDN 102.9 FM.