Athletics vs Houston Astros Picks and Prediction for Sunday August 23 2026

On Sunday, the Athletics (49-80) face off against the Houston Astros (65-64) at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Get involved in the action with our free MLB picks.

Athletics vs. Houston Game Information

• August 23, 2026
• 2:10 PM EST
• Minute Maid Park
• MLB.TV/NBC Sports California/Space City Home Network/Fubo

Houston Form & Recent Results

Houston enters this matchup with some momentum after picking up a win in its most recent game, though the Astros have still had some ups and downs lately. Before Saturday, they had lost three of their previous five games, with two of those defeats coming at home against the Angels and another coming at home against the Mariners. They were able to bounce back on Friday with a strong 4-0 win over the Athletics in Houston. Yordan Alvarez played a major role in that victory, going 2-for-3 at the plate while also getting hit by a pitch. He finished the game with two doubles, one run scored, and two RBI, giving the Astros a much-needed boost offensively. On the mound, starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski gave Houston a solid outing, throwing five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. He also walked three batters and struck out four, helping set the tone for the pitching staff. As a team, the Astros finished the game with nine hits and 13 total bases, while their pitchers combined for nine strikeouts, threw 109 strikes, and allowed only three hits overall.

Yordan Alvarez has continued to be one of Houston’s most important players this season and remains the biggest threat in their lineup. He leads the Astros with 36 home runs, while first baseman Christian Walker ranks second on the team with 23 homers. Alvarez also leads Houston in RBI with 90 on the year, showing how valuable he has been when it comes to driving in runs and producing in key situations. Along with his power numbers, Alvarez has also been the team’s top hitter for average, carrying a .321 batting average this season. Houston’s offense will likely need him to stay hot as the Astros try to protect their spot at the top of the AL West. Over their last five games, Houston’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.2 runs per game, so limiting damage on the mound will be important as they look to grab another important win at home.

Athletics Form & Recent Results

The Athletics come into this matchup having lost five straight games before Saturday’s game, and they have been searching for a way to get back on track. One of those defeats came against the Astros in Houston, while the other four happened during a tough series in Kansas City, where the Royals completed a sweep. In Friday’s 4-0 loss to Houston, the A’s struggled to generate much offense, but shortstop Donovan Walton was one of the bright spots. He finished the game 1-for-2 at the plate with a single and also showed patience by drawing two walks. As a team, the Athletics managed to earn three walks in the game, but they were unable to turn those opportunities into runs.

Offensively this season, catcher Shea Langeliers has been one of the Athletics’ top power hitters, leading the team with 23 home runs. First baseman Nick Kurtz has also provided a major boost in the lineup, ranking second on the team with 21 home runs while leading the A's with 69 RBIs on the year. Langeliers has been important in more than just the power department as well, as he also leads the team with a .263 batting average this season. During their five-game losing streak, the Athletics have given up an average of 6.4 runs per game, which has made it difficult for them to stay competitive. They will look to clean things up on the mound and slow down Houston’s momentum when the two teams meet again on Sunday afternoon.

Key Stats

• Athletics’ Shea Langeliers this season: 23 HRs, 51 RBI, .263 AVG
• Houston’s Yordan Alvarez this season: 36 HRs, 90 RBI, .321 AVG

Athletics vs. Houston Picks and Prediction

The Astros have climbed to the top of the AL West standings, and they’ll try to keep building momentum when they host the Athletics on Sunday. The A's come in having dropped five straight games and have been one of the worst teams in the American League for much of the season. The A’s will hand the ball to right-hander Jack Perkins, who has had a tough year at 2-9 with a 6.96 ERA. Houston will counter with Cristian Javier, who is also looking to settle in after going 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA so far this season. Final Score Prediction, Houston Astros win 10-9.