Early offense, bullpen game lift Astros past Rangers again

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Today's starting lineup

The Astros began a likely season-defining homestand needing to take care of business. Through two games, they have. Houston jumped out to a big lead Tuesday before sweating out a tense finishing for a second straight victory over the Rangers. Helping lead the way was rookie right-hander AJ Blubaugh, who set an early tone with three shutout innings as the Astros pieced together a bullpen game to notch a pivotal win.

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

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher AJ Blubaugh (69) pitches in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park in Houston on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

All arms on deck

AJ Blubaugh, who's pitched in a variety of roles for the Astros, added another Tuesday in starting a bullpen game that made it to the 27th out for a pivotal win over the Rangers.

Astros 6, Rangers 5: Houston torched Merrill Kelly for six runs, but things got tight at the end before the bullpen finally slammed the door. Read More
'Pretty significant': It's not known how long Yordan Alvarez will be out with a sprained left ankle, but time is against him with only 10 regular-season games left starting today. Read More
Leaving the door open: Astros closer Josh Hader says he could resume throwing next week and if things go well could return to the club at some point in October if the team stays alive in the playoffs. Read More

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Upon further review

The Week 2 loss saw a near-perfect beginning from C.J. Stroud before some issues arose later in the game.

On track to return: Christian Kirk, the Texans' projected slot receiver this season, could make his Houston debut Sunday in Jacksonville. Read More

Texas Football

UTEP quarterback Malachi Nelson (7) throws a pass during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Photo by: Aaron E. Martinez, Austin American-Statesman

Bohls' 9 Things

Sam Houston coach Phil Longo can't find a weakness on Texas' defense and is well aware of what Arch Manning is capable of at QB. Kirk Bohls looks at that and much more in his weekly deep-dive column.

Mail call: After an uninspiring Texas win over UTEP, Kirk Bohls answers questions from readers about the Longhorns' lethargic offense and more. Read More

UH Football

Houston defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr. (5) reacts after tacking Colorado running back Micah Welch (29) for a loss during the first half of a Big 12 Conference college football game in Houston, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Halfway there

UH is off to its first 3-0 start in nine years and halfway to the number of wins needed to become bowl eligible. Here's a look at the latest postseason projections for the Cougars.