The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Monday, July 20, to host the Miami Marlins in a 8:10 PM ET first pitch. Ronel Blanco takes the ball for Houston against Miami's Janson Junk in what shapes up as a pitching-forward matchup between two clubs moving through the heart of the 2026 season. For the Astros, every game at home carries weight — and tonight is no different.

Probable Pitchers: Ronel Blanco vs. Janson Junk

Ronel Blanco gets the nod for Houston. The right-hander has shown the ability to carve up lineups with his sinker-heavy arsenal, and home starts at Daikin Park have generally suited his ground-ball approach. The Astros will need Blanco to eat innings and keep the Marlins' lineup manageable early.

Opposite him is Miami's Janson Junk. The right-hander has bounced between roles during his career and will look to keep one of the American League's more experienced batting orders off balance. If Junk struggles to locate, this Houston lineup has the firepower to make him pay quickly.

Houston Astros Starting Lineup

• 1. Jeremy Peña, SS
• 2. Yordan Alvarez, DH
• 3. Isaac Paredes, 3B
• 4. Jose Altuve, 2B
• 5. LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B
• 6. Yainer Diaz, C
• 7. Taylor Trammell, RF
• 8. Zach Dezenzo, LF
• 9. Lucas Spence, CF

Keys to Watch

Yordan Alvarez Batting Second

Slotting Yordan Alvarez in the two-hole keeps him a near-certain first-inning plate appearance if Peña reaches base. That construction puts maximum pressure on Junk from the very first inning. Alvarez is the kind of hitter who can change a game's complexion in a single swing, and hitting him this high in the order reflects how much damage he can do early.

The Bottom Third of the Order

Taylor Trammell, Zach Dezenzo, and Lucas Spence occupy the seven, eight, and nine spots. This trio needs to contribute — either by getting on base for the top of the order or by stringing together their own productive innings. Spence batting ninth in center field is worth monitoring; his ability to work counts and create offensive continuity from the nine-hole back to Peña matters in a lineup built around getting Alvarez and Paredes quality at-bats.

Blanco's Command

Blanco's effectiveness hinges on his ability to command his fastball down in the zone and generate weak contact. If he is getting grounders and keeping the ball in the park, the Astros' defense — anchored by Peña at short — should be able to clean things up behind him. If Blanco's command wavers and he finds himself in deep counts, Houston's bullpen will be tested.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Houston. Blanco at home against a Miami club that is not among the division leaders sets up favorably. The lineup, with Alvarez, Paredes, and Altuve stacked in the middle, has the depth to manufacture runs against Junk even if he keeps the ball down. Expect Blanco to go five or six innings, with the Astros bullpen closing it out. Astros win, 4-2.

Coverage begins at 8:10 PM ET on Space City Home Network. Radio listeners can tune in to KBME 790 AM / 94.5 FM HD-2.