Astros Avoid Sweep in Seattle with Lineup Boost

Houston's hard-hitting offense looks to bounce back against Mariners rookie starter

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, capturing the energy and movement of a baseball game in an abstract, fragmented manner.A fractured, cubist depiction of the high-stakes matchup between the Astros and Mariners, with the game's key players and action deconstructed into a dynamic geometric composition.Seattle Today

The Houston Astros, struggling on a rocky 10-game road trip, look to avoid a sweep against the Seattle Mariners in the series finale. With key infielders Carlos Correa and Jeremy Pena expected to return, the Astros' powerful lineup aims to provide support for starter Mike Burrows and overcome a Mariners team that has been hitting well late in games.

Why it matters

The Astros need a win to salvage their road trip and build momentum heading back home. A loss would extend their skid and raise more questions about their injury-plagued roster. Meanwhile, the Mariners are looking to complete a sweep and continue their strong start to the season against one of the AL's top teams.

The details

The Astros will get a boost with the expected returns of shortstop Carlos Correa and infielder Jeremy Pena, who missed Sunday's loss. Their presence in the middle of the order should provide more offensive support for starter Mike Burrows, who has been serviceable in his last two outings. The Mariners have been hitting well late in games against the Astros, but Houston's powerful lineup, which ranks near the top of the league in several key batting stats, could be poised for a breakout performance against Seattle rookie starter George Kirby, who has struggled with the long ball.

  • The Astros and Mariners play the final game of their 3-game series on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET.
  • The Astros are 1-8 on their current 10-game road trip.

The players

Mike Burrows

The Astros' starting pitcher, who has a 5.63 ERA in his first three starts of the season.

George Kirby

The Mariners' rookie starting pitcher, who has allowed a home run in each of his three starts so far this season.

Carlos Correa

The Astros' All-Star shortstop, who is expected to return to the lineup after missing Sunday's game.

Jeremy Pena

The Astros' infielder, who is considered day-to-day after missing Sunday's game.

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What they’re saying

“We need to show up for Mike Burrows today. He's been pitching well and deserves more run support from our lineup.”

— Dusty Baker, Astros Manager

“Getting Correa back is huge for us. He's a difference-maker in the middle of our order, and we need that kind of production to get back on track.”

— Jose Altuve, Astros Second Baseman

What’s next

If the Astros can avoid the sweep, they will look to build momentum heading into a homestand against divisional opponents.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Astros to turn around their fortunes on this difficult road trip. With key players returning to the lineup and a chance to solve a struggling Mariners rookie starter, Houston has a chance to regain its footing and prove it remains one of the top teams in the American League.