The Houston Astros are in a battle here for not only the Americasn League West, but also to stay in the playoff picture after a rough stretch.

The Astros scored 11 runs to beat the Braves as the offense strung together timely hits and got a boost from rookie Zach Cole, who drove in 4 runs.

So it will be interesting to see how they come out Saturday night against the Astros after getting pummeled Friday night 11-3. On the mound for Atlanta is Bryce Elder, who’s actually been a solid contributor to the rotation going on about a month now.

The Astros ' organizational machine is sputtering after a year of exits and injuries throughout Houston's lineup and pitching staff. The depleted roster threatens to end a historic run atop the American League West.

Lance McCullers Jr. is going on the injured list for the fourth time this season in what was a comeback from 2½ years away after flexor surgery.

With a chance to post consecutive victories for the first time in two weeks, the visiting Houston Astros will look to maintain their position in the American League postseason picture against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.

The Houston Astros got just two starts out of starting pitcher Luis Garcia after he spent more than two years returning from Tommy John surgery.

Isaac Paredes has been out since July 19 with a hamstring injury but has been increasing his activity to have a slight chance of return.

The Houston Astros' decision on whether or not to re-sign Framber Valdez got more complicated after his incident against the New York Yankees.

The Houston Astros needed a win and an 11-3 shellacking of the Atlanta Braves on Friday was just what they needed after losing their American League West.

Houston's offense was shut out for the sixth time since the trade deadline as the Astros' lead in the AL West is slipping away.