Framber Valdez makes his first start after the All-Star break as the Astros go for a second win in a row over Arizona.

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros meet the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 1-0 series lead. Arizona has a 50-51 record overall and a 26-26 record at home. The Diamondbacks rank third in the NL with 146 total home runs, averaging 1.4 per game.

Houston's run prevention machine has broken down in July, putting undue pressure on a lineup that is ill-equipped to carry an entire team.

Sunday, general manager Dana Brown told the Astros' pre-game radio show "there's a chance" Peña could return without a minor-league rehab assignment, but that Peña will need live at-bats to regain "some type of timing" given his layoff.

The Houston Astros could pursue a first baseman who doubles as an outfielder to boost their lineup ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.

After rookie Brice Matthews' coming-out party Monday, Houston will turn to veteran ace left-hander Framber Valdez in an attempt to win the series from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

The Houston Astros have been one of MLB's most surprising teams this season. Sure, some pegged them to win the AL West even after losing Alex Bregman and Kyle T

Justin Verlander, who left Houston to sign with the Giants last offseason, has had a rough year in San Francisco and now an umpire is pointing it out.

With Yordan Alvarez still sidelined, the Astros have a need they want to secure before the trade deadline approaches.