WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After two straight walk-off wins, the Houston Astros had the tables turned on them Monday. Nick Kurtz, the A’s rookie first baseman, hit a walk-off home run off Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a four-game series at Sutter Health Park.

The Astros came into Sacramento on a five-game winning streak, mostly on the strength of great starting pitching, much of it from AAA call-ups. After winning its last two games in walk-off fashion, tonight the Astros got the walk-off treatment themselves, wasting a great performance from another fill-in starter, Ryan Gusto.

The Houston Astros reveal that a 'freak accident' was behind Lance McCullers being placed on the injured list.

Right-hander Ryan Gusto (4-3, 4.56 ERA) will start for Houston after scheduled starter Lance McCullers Jr. was placed on the injured list with a foot sprain. Righty Mitch Spence (2-1, 3.67) will start for the A's.

MLB Makes Questionable Jose Altuve Announcement Before Astros-Athletics Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Remember back in the spring when the Houston Astros made a big deal about longtime second baseman Jose Altuve moving to left field?

The Houston Astros placed right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right foot ahead of his scheduled start against the Athletics.

Astros Announce Jacob Melton News After Leaving Twins Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's not easy for rookies to thrive in the big leagues, and Houston Astros outfielder Jacob Melton is learning that the hard way. The 24-year-old entered Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins, slashing .185/.241/.185 with three RBI over 10 contests.

The 34-35 Kansas City Royals are happy to see the Yankees leave town and welcome the 26-44 Athletics. At one point earlier this season, the Athletics were showing some scrappy, feisty play and were threatening the Mariners and Astros in the AL West. But they have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games, like the Royals, and have faltered.