After the game, Garver addressed a defensive scare in the seventh inning when he awkwardly rolled on his knee while attempting to track a foul pop-up. “It wasn’t my most graceful moment,” Garver said. “I just jammed up my back. There’s nothing with my knee or anything. It should be fine.”

The veteran catcher also made an impact offensively, posting a 2026 line of 51 at-bats, 9 runs, 9 hits, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, a .176 average, a .354 on-base percentage and a .609 OPS, highlighted by his first homer of the season as he helped Seattle build early momentum in a game where the lineup produced a season-high in extra-base hits.

Garver steps up behind the plate after Raleigh injury

With Raleigh sidelined due to a right oblique strain, Garver is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties during his absence, a role he stepped into immediately while managing the pitching staff.

He was also involved in a crucial overturned ABS challenge in the fourth inning that turned a ball call into a strikeout, helping Seattle maintain control of the game early. Garver’s ability to stay composed behind the plate proved important as the Mariners leaned on depth at catcher following Raleigh’s injury.

Mariners offense powers win despite late-game scare

Seattle’s offense carried the load, highlighted by Luke Raley’s early three-run homer and a strong overall showing that included 11 hits and multiple extra-base contributions. Luis Castillo earned his first win of the season, while the Mariners improved their recent dominance over Houston.

Seattle now turns its attention to a weekend series against the San Diego Padres, continuing a stretch of strong offensive production despite roster challenges.

After the game, Raleigh reflected on the mental challenge of navigating the prolonged skid. “Sometimes, you’ve just got to throw everything out the window and just go out there and say, ‘Screw it,’ and try to compete,” Raleigh said, according to MLB.com. “Sometimes, you’ve got to put the numbers and the technique and mechanics aside and just go out there and grind it out.”

Raleigh’s seventh-inning single into the right-center gap ended a hitless streak that dated back to April 27 and was approaching the longest in Mariners franchise history. The catcher later added another hit in the eighth inning, turning a frustrating stretch into his sixth multi-hit game of the season.

Mariners teammates celebrate Raleigh’s breakthrough

The emotional moment immediately sparked reactions throughout Seattle’s dugout, as teammates made sure to celebrate Raleigh finally getting back into the hit column.

Bryan Woo waved towels at Raleigh after he later scored on Randy Arozarena’s RBI double, while Josh Naylor jokingly pretended to preserve the baseball from the slump-ending hit as a keepsake.

Woo also revealed postgame that Raleigh had taken a shower in full uniform following Monday’s game after another hitless performance, an idea encouraged by Logan Gilbert as the team searched for any possible spark.

Raleigh still looking for offensive consistency

Despite the encouraging performance, Raleigh is still attempting to climb out of a difficult offensive start to the season. Entering the game, the catcher had gone 15 days without a hit while continuing to struggle statistically at the plate.

Raleigh is still batting .166 with a .249 on-base percentage and remains among the MLB leaders in strikeouts. However, the two-hit night against Houston could provide an important confidence boost moving forward as the Mariners continue their push through the season.

According to Nightengale on X, “Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa to undergo season-ending surgery with torn left ankle tendon. The Astros, who tried to trade Isaac Paredes during the winter, now slides into Correa’s spot at third base.”

Nightengale also noted that medical concerns over Correa’s right ankle were the reason the Giants and Mets backed out of $300 million‑plus deals in the 2022 offseason, before he ultimately signed with the Minnesota Twins, who later traded him to Houston at last year’s deadline.

Correa got injured while taking swings in the batting cage ahead of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, a setback for a roster built around an Astros payroll 2026 structure designed to keep Houston in title contention. He is scheduled to be evaluated by a foot specialist, but early expectations suggest an indefinite absence.

Before the injury, Correa was hitting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs, continuing to serve as one of Houston’s key offensive and leadership figures since being reacquired last season. His absence leaves a major void both in production and clubhouse presence.

Astros lose leadership presence during difficult stretch

The injury comes at a challenging moment for Houston, which is already navigating a slow start to the season. Correa’s leadership has been widely valued inside the clubhouse, with teammates frequently highlighting his influence beyond on-field performance.

Infield reshuffle becomes necessary as injuries mount

Houston’s infield situation has been unstable, with multiple regulars either sidelined or returning from injury. Shortstop Jeremy Peña is nearing a return, which could help stabilize the position, while Isaac Paredes is expected to take on a larger role at third base.

Correa’s injury, however, removes a key veteran presence who had helped guide younger players through transitions and lineup changes. His absence now forces Houston to rely more heavily on depth options as it attempts to remain competitive in the American League West.

However, the Orioles have done this a handful of times. They also did it on August 14th, 1998 where both grand slams were hit by Chris Hoiles. In June 26, 1970, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson also hit back-to-back grand slams. The first time they did it was back in May 9, 1961, with Jim Gentile hitting two grand slams in the first two innings vs Twins. Two players also hit grand slams in the same game in 2015.

Hence, this is the first time since 2015 that two different players have hit grand slams in the same game for the Orioles. Hence, they etched their names in the history books of the O’s at the Astros expense.

How many times has a team hit two grand slams in the same MLB game?

The Yankees have done it (1936), as well as the Red Sox (1939, 1946, 1999, 2003), Orioles (1961, 1970, 1998, 2015, 2026), Braves (1966), Tigers (1968), White Sox (1995), Cardinals (1999), and Nationals (2009).

The most iconic game on this feature was in 1999. Fernando Tatis Sr. hit two grand slams in just one inning. That feat has never been replicated. Another record that hasn’t been matched is the Yankees hitting three grand slams in a single game against the Athletics in 2011.

What is a grand slam in baseball?

A grand slam is a home run hit when all three bases are loaded, hence it results in four runs scored. This is the maximum possible in a single play. On average, a grand slam occurs once every 1,219 at-bats in the MLB. As of April 2026, there have been 24 grand slams so far this season.

The comments were shared by Brian McTaggart on X: “Astros GM Dana Brown about the pitching staff on the team’s pregame show on Sports Talk 790: ‘Having over 100 walks at this time is just not acceptable. We’re better than that and we’ve got to lock in.’”

That final message is a clear call to action, not just for Espada but for the entire coaching staff to address the issue. It is not only about reducing walks, but also improving overall run prevention, as Houston currently sits near the bottom of the MLB in team ERA.

Most walks in the MLB rankings

Brown’s frustration is understandable given the numbers. The Astros are currently leading all of MLB with 123 walks issued, a troubling mark even if the pitching staff has also shown strong strikeout ability. Alongside Houston, only three other teams have surpassed 100 walks: the Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago White Sox, all clubs that have traditionally struggled in recent seasons.

Even more concerning for Houston is the overall pitching performance, with the team posting a 6.11 ERA, currently the worst in Major League Baseball. That combination of poor command and run prevention has put added urgency on internal adjustments.

On the positive side, the Astros’ pitching staff has still been able to rack up 222 strikeouts, ranking second in the league behind the Cleveland Guardians and ahead of teams like the Angels and Padres. Still, Brown’s message makes it clear that strikeouts alone are not enough to offset the lack of control.

“I don’t want to attach our failures to the injuries,” Correa said via Chandler Rome. “Our failures are because we’re playing s—- baseball. We’re a good club playing bad baseball.” The comments came following a loss to the Seattle Mariners on April 13.

It wasn’t just that defeat. The Astros are now mired in an eight-game losing streak, something they hadn’t experienced at this stage of a season in recent years. It’s the kind of early MLB hole that can be difficult to climb out of once it starts to spiral.

How bad has the offense been?

At the plate, the numbers don’t point to a complete collapse. Correa himself is hitting .291, ranking as the fourth-best bat in the lineup, while Yordan Alvarez leads the way with a .321 average, though he’s also been pitched around, drawing 16 walks.

Jose Altuve has also been productive, hitting .311 as the team’s second-best bat. Overall, the Astros are generating enough hits and RBIs, suggesting the core issue lies elsewhere. The rotation has been in disarray, and Correa’s criticism appears to be aimed largely at the pitchers.

That problem has been the pitching staff. Most of the starting rotation carries ERAs north of 4.00, with Mike Burrows struggling the most, allowing 16 earned runs in just four starts. Cristian Javier, now injured, has also given up 13 earned runs this season.

“This is why we went out and signed a lot of pitchers this offseason,” Brown said ahead of Sunday’s game on April 12. He added that the available arms in the bullpen should be more than capable of covering for injured pitchers.

“We feel like right now that we’re going to be able to sustain these injuries because of the depth we have,” Brown said. He also made it clear that the goal isn’t just to replace injured arms, but to get them back on the mound as quickly as possible once they recover.

Bolton’s rough start to 2026

Bolton’s 2026 MLB season had already gotten off to a shaky start. Through three appearances, he posted a 5.40 ERA, making him one of the less reliable options in the bullpen. He wasn’t with Houston last season, as his year ended early after just one appearance with the Cleveland Guardians.

Bolton has yet to show the consistency needed to become a dependable reliever. He spent time with the Mariners in 2024, appearing in 17 games, his highest total in a single season, but has otherwise bounced between the majors and minors.

Brown also pointed to other potential options beyond the bullpen. He mentioned Peter Lambert and Colton Gordon as possible rotation depth if needed. Lambert hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2024, but he did post a 2.94 ERA during spring training.

The report came from Chandler Rome on X: “Joe Espada plans to keep Christian Vazquez paired with Tatsuya Imai for the foreseeable future because ‘right now, I feel like it’s important for the transition of Imai to the major leagues and just to build some stability in our rotation and take us deep into games.’”

After Imai’s recent outing against the Seattle Mariners, 0.1 innings pitched, 1 hit, 3 earned runs, 4 walks, no strikeouts on 37 pitches, it’s clear the Astros need to carefully manage their arms, especially with a pitcher still adjusting to the majors.

Vazquez’s start to 2026

Vazquez has been solid behind the plate through his first seven games, which helps explain why Espada wants him guiding the team’s newest arm. Offensively, he’s hitting .348 over that stretch, adding a home run and eight RBI in what’s been a strong start to the 2026 season.

If Imai can build better chemistry with Vazquez, things could stabilize. Through three MLB starts, he holds a 7.27 ERA, disappointing on the surface, but he hasn’t allowed a home run and has recorded 13 strikeouts in 8.2 innings, suggesting his stuff is still effective.

It’s unclear when Imai will make his next start, though it could come during a series against the St. Louis Cardinals or possibly sooner. Espada will need to pick the right moment as he continues managing a pitcher who, so far this season, has just one win.

“Joe Espada said he plans to have a conversation with Roddery Muñoz about his ABS challenge in the seventh inning. Espada reiterated that the Astros don’t want their pitchers challenging any calls. Espada said he didn’t have a problem with Yainer Diaz’s first-inning challenge,” Chandler Rome wrote on X.

Houston struggled in the 6-2 loss to the Angels, scoring just two runs in the first five innings before going quiet the rest of the game. While it’s still early, Espada could be dealing with some early offensive concerns from his lineup.

How many ABS challenges does a team get?

Each team is allowed two ABS challenges per game. If a challenge is successful, it is retained; if not, the team loses one. In extra innings, each team is granted an additional challenge until the end of the game.

“Roddery Muñoz just lost a full-count ABS challenge to Nolan Schanuel. It was the Astros’ last challenge and it wasn’t close. At last check, the Astros were not encouraging any of their pitchers to challenge,” wrote Rome, highlighting the situation during the game.

It’s worth noting that back in February, Espada had already made his stance clear, saying, “I highly encourage them not to do it,” emphasizing that the system is best used strategically. He also pointed out that many MLB players are still adjusting to the ABS system, which has been more commonly used in the minors.

“Where did all that come from? Houston’s wilding right now. In reality, he’s good! They [Astros] probably just don’t want him playing. But he’ll be back here soon, and when he returns, he’s going to make a real impact for the team,” Perdomo told Master Flip (@masterflip_) and other reporters.

It is worth noting that Peña and Perdomo were nearly set to play in what would have been the Dominican Republic’s first WBC game on March 6 in Pool D against Nicaragua, a matchup that on paper could be a relatively manageable one for them against the group’s underdog.

Perdomo says he’s ready to cover shortstop

Perdomo, who last season posted a .290 batting average with 173 hits, 20 home runs and 100 RBIs, said he is more than ready to fill the shortstop role Peña left open while his situation with the Astros is sorted out. Both players had strong MLB seasons in 2025.

“I feel great. I’m here to do my job, I’m having a blast doing it, and I’m not stressing about carrying the load at short. We had solid communication about who was going to play, him (Peña) or me, but the only goal was getting the job done, no matter who was out there,” Master Flip translated from Perdomo’s comments in Spanish.

Without Peña, the Dominican Republic would be losing a player who posted a .304 batting average with the Astros in 2025, along with 17 home runs, 150 hits and 62 RBIs during his fourth season with the team. He also received an MVP nomination.

Long-term commitments, expiring deals and arbitration raises are quietly reshaping the books. The numbers suggest careful calibration rather than reckless spending, a strategy built to extend a competitive window without slamming it shut.

How that financial blueprint translates to on-field depth remains the looming question. In a division that refuses to ease up, the MLB team’s 2026 payroll may reveal more about its championship ambitions than any offseason headline.

How much is the Houston Astros payroll in 2026?

For the 2026 season, the Houston Astros project a luxury tax payroll of about $228 million, placing them comfortably in the upper tier of MLB salary spenders but still behind some perennial big-market spenders like the Dodgers and Yankees.

That total, based on Spotrac data, reflects both guaranteed contracts and arbitration-eligible salaries across the 40-man roster. Anchoring the franchise’s payroll are high-value deals for cornerstone players.

Jose Altuve leads the club at $33 million, followed by Carlos Correa and Yordan Alvarez with salaries in the $26–33 million range, while other established veterans like Cristian Javier and Christian Walker also command significant paychecks.

Beyond the stars, a group of arbitration players — including Jeremy Peña, Hunter Brown, Yainer Diaz and others — adds depth but also financial commitments that push the total higher.

With most arbitration figures now set and additional contract moves like the three-year deal for pitcher Tatsuya Imai factoring into the mix, the Astros’ 2026 payroll underscores a deliberate blend of elite talent and roster flexibility.