The Houston Astros can address their starting rotation with this Miami Marlins ace who is newly expected to dominate the trade deadline.

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.

Nick Kurtz is expected to become one of the linchpins of the Athletics by the time the franchise moves to Las Vegas, anticipated for the 2028 season.

Isaac Paredes' hamstring injury hasn't forced him to the IL yet, but Jacob Melton's new ankle injury could lead to a prolonged absence.

Prospect Brice Matthews is also on the radar but Astros want to see more contact from him at the plate in Sugar Land.

Aaron Civale is a Chicago White Sox starting pitcher — for now. The 30-year-old right-hander joined the White Sox this week after he was traded to them by the Milwaukee Brewers. This came after he asked for a trade when was moved to the bullpen as Milwaukee made way for the Major League debut of its top pitching prospect, Jacob Misiorowski.

Joe Ryan fixed the team’s starting pitching problem, but the Astros answered with Hunter Brown in a pitchers’ duel decided in the ninth inning.

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The Houston Astros (41-30) and the A's (29-44) open a 4-game series Monday. First pitch from Sutter Health Park in Sacramento is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Astros vs. A's odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Play him at second base, outfielder or designated hitter and it doesn’t matter. Houston Astros star Jose Altuve keeps producing.

Isaac Paredes was back as the Astros' designated hitter after missing three games with a left hamstring strain.