Red Sox, Astros Open Series in Houston

HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros open a three-game series at Daikin Park on Monday, with both American League clubs looking to establish early momentum in the young 2026 season.

Boston (1-2) arrives after dropping two of three in Cincinnati, including a 3-2 loss on Sunday despite a strong start from left-hander Connelly Early. He allowed one earned run over 5 1/3 innings, striking out six. Wilyer Abreu provided the offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Houston (2-2) is coming off a high-scoring, 9-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday to split a four-game set. Reliever AJ Blubaugh was key in the victory, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

The pitching matchup features left-hander Ranger Suarez for Boston against Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. Suarez will look to steady a Red Sox rotation, while McCullers aims to build on a solid spring for the Astros.

A player to watch for Boston is Early, whose promising debut suggests he could be a key figure in the bullpen or rotation moving forward. For Houston, Blubaugh’s recent effectiveness out of the bullpen provides a reliable option in late innings.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Boston is projected to win 8-4. The Red Sox have been installed as pregame favorites with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.

Following this series, the Red Sox will return home to face the San Diego Padres beginning Friday. The Astros will embark on a West Coast road trip, starting with a series against the Athletics in on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CDT.