Astros suffer a big loss — and the game hadn’t even started yet

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Today's starting lineup

Before a single pitch was thrown Wednesday, the Astros had a big problem. Jake Meyers was penciled into the lineup to make his return after missing two games with calf tightness, but he began to limp before reaching his position in center field, putting the kibosh on his comeback. Insult was then added to injury as the Guardians, who'd lost 10 straight before coming to Houston, finished a three-game sweep of the Astros.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Astros center fielder Jake Meyers leaves the field with assistant athletic trainer Eric Velazquez after his right calf tightened up on him as he took his position before Wednesday's game.

Photo by: Tim Warner, Getty Images

Another mounting injury concern

Already plagued with injuries to top players, the Astros now await word on Jake Meyers' right calf after his return to the lineup was aborted before first pitch Wednesday.

Guardians 4, Astros 2: After sweeping the Dodgers, the Astros found themselves swept by a Guardians squad that had lost 10 straight games entering the series. Read More
Paredes an All-Star: Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes is an American League All-Star for the second consecutive season after being added as an injury replacement. Read More
Brown a no-go for ASG: Hunter Brown's removal from the All-Star roster is tied to starting Sunday's first-half finale against the Rangers. Read More
No ASG for Peña: Jeremy Peña will still attend All-Star festivities in Atlanta but not play in next week's game. Read More
Return of Dallas: If Dallas Keuchel makes it to the big leagues after signing with the Royals, it will be his seventh different big league team since leaving the Astros after the 2018 season. Read More
Muncy's 2 cents: Max Muncy agrees with Orel Hershiser that it looked like the Astros knew what pitches were coming from the Dodgers, but he says it wasn't because of cheating. Read More

UH Football / Big 12 Media Days

Houston wide receiver Stefon Johnson speaks to reporters during the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Photo by: LM Otero, Associated Press

Out of sight, not out of mind

After transferring to UH from Texas A&M, Conner Weigman is ready for a fresh start but his coach and teammates were in the spotlight at Big 12 Media Days.

Show of support: UH strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hester announced a cancer diagnosis in the offseason and the team will wear black wristbands with words of support. Read More
'Space Cup' coming? Houston and Central Florida are considering a regular space-themed football game for schools close to NASA in Texas and Florida. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and forward Dillon Brooks, back right, during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA Cup basketball tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Photo by: Ian Maule, Associated Press

Group of rivals

The Rockets' group for this year's NBA Cup will include both rivals in terms of geography and recent postseason play.

Golden State Warriors’ LJ Cryer and Isaiah Mobley against San Antonio Spurs during Spurs’ 90-88 win in California Classic game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Photo by: Scott Strazzante, S.F. Chronicle

Making a name for himself

The majority of players in the NBA’s summer leagues won’t be heard from again. But former UH star L.J. Cryer can shoot and is taking his shot with the Golden State Warriors.