Astros vs. Nationals: Houston Seeks to Snap 5-Game Skid (July 29, 2025 MLB Preview)

Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

The Washington Nationals (44-62) are set to face the Houston Astros (60-47) in an MLB showdown on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Minute Maid Park in Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM CT.

Game Preview

The Houston Astros, leading the AL West with a 60-47 record, will host the Washington Nationals, who are currently fifth in the NL East at 44-62. Houston enters this contest on a five-game losing streak. The Astros have a strong home record of 33-24 this season, while the Nationals are 23-31 on the road. This marks the second meeting between the two teams this season.

Pitching Matchup

Washington Nationals

Mike Soroka (3-8, 4.85 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 83 strikeouts) is slated to start for the Nationals.

Houston Astros

The Astros will counter with Jason Alexander (1-1, 8.14 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 14 strikeouts).

Betting Odds

The Houston Astros are favored at -142, with the Washington Nationals at +119. The over/under for the game is set at 8 1/2 runs.

Team Insights

Houston Astros

Houston's hitters boast a collective .320 on-base percentage, ranking sixth in the American League. Despite their recent skid, the Astros maintain a dominant position atop the AL West.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals have hit 103 total home runs this season, placing them 10th in the National League. They will look to leverage their power against the Astros.

Player Spotlights

Houston Astros

Jose Altuve has been a key offensive contributor for the Astros, tallying 17 doubles, one triple, and 17 home runs.

Washington Nationals

For the Nationals, Luis Garcia leads with 22 doubles, eight home runs, and 45 RBI. Josh Bell has been performing well recently, going 11 for 38 with a double and two home runs over his last 10 games.

Recent Performance

Houston Astros

The Astros have a 4-6 record over their last 10 games, with a .241 batting average and a 4.45 ERA, having been outscored by 13 runs.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals have a better recent record at 6-4, posting a .236 batting average and a 3.74 ERA, outscoring opponents by three runs in their last 10 outings.

Injury Report

Houston Astros

The Astros' injury list includes Brandon Walter (elbow), Lance McCullers (finger), Brendan Rodgers (oblique), Isaac Paredes (hamstring), Jake Meyers (calf), Zach Dezenzo (hand), Yordan Alvarez (hand), Jeremy Pena (rib), Shawn Dubin (forearm), Pedro Leon (knee), Spencer Arrighetti (thumb), Ronel Blanco (elbow), Hayden Wesneski (elbow), Luis Garcia (elbow), Cristian Javier (elbow), and J.P. France (shoulder).

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are dealing with injuries to Dylan Crews (back), Trevor Williams (elbow), Keibert Ruiz (concussion), Derek Law (forearm), DJ Herz (elbow), and Josiah Gray (elbow).

In summary:

• Matchup: Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros on July 29, 2025.
• Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston.
• Start Time: 7:10 PM CT.
• Astros Record: 60-47 (1st AL West), 33-24 at home, currently on a five-game losing streak.
• Nationals Record: 44-62 (5th NL East), 23-31 on the road.
• Pitching Matchup: Mike Soroka (WSH) vs. Jason Alexander (HOU).
• Betting Odds: Astros -142, Nationals +119, Over/Under 8.5 runs.
• Key Players: Jose Altuve (HOU), Luis Garcia (WSH), Josh Bell (WSH).
• Recent Form: Astros 4-6 (last 10 games), Nationals 6-4 (last 10 games).
• Injuries: Both teams have several players on the injured list.

Related Links

• Washington Nationals News & Updates
• Washington Nationals Schedule & Scores
• Houston Astros News & Updates
• Houston Astros Schedule & Scores
• MLB News