Astros acquire Minor League pitcher for F. Martinez

Outfielder Fernando Martinez, who appeared in 52 games for the Astros over the past two seasons, was sent to the Yankees in a trade on Tuesday. The Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Charles Basford, who will report to rookie-league Tri-City.

Norris appealing base hit ruling from previous start

Astros starter Bud Norris is appealing a base hit ruling from the White Sox four-run sixth inning, he said Tuesday. He hopes the play will be ruled an error, instead.

Maxwell makes return to Astros in right field

Outfielder Justin Maxwell made his return to the Astros Tuesday night, but he's got a new home after missing eight weeks with a fractured left hand.

Boras arrives in Houston hoping to close Appel deal

Scott Boras, who represents No. 1 overall Draft pick Mark Appel, arrived in Houston on Tuesday afternoon and was scheduled to meet with Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow later in the evening in an effort to wrap up negotiations.

Astros option Paredes to Triple-A Oklahoma City

One player's promotion is usually another player's demotion, and Jimmy Paredes was on the unfortunate end of Justin Maxwell's return to the big league roster.

Dominguez, Pena go deep to rout Brewers

Jordan Lyles held the Brewers to seven hits and one run in seven innings, Carlos Pena blasted a three-run homer and Matt Dominguez added his first career grand slam to lead the Astros to a 10-1 win over their former National League Central rivals on Tuesday.

Maxwell returns from rehab stint; Paredes optioned

The Astros got a key reinforcement back, as the club called up outfielder Justin Maxwell from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday night, manager Bo Porter said.

After signing, Thurman gets big league treatment

Astros second-round pick Andrew Thurman isn't a Major Leaguer yet, but his experience in Minute Maid Park during Monday's pregame mirrored the routine of one. After all, Thurman, the No. 40 overall pick, has a pro contract now, inking a deal with Houston on Monday.

Crowe supplants Paredes as starter in right field

Trevor Crowe has overtaken a struggling Jimmy Paredes as the starter in right field for the time being, Astros manager Bo Porter said Monday.

Astros 'fully engaged' in talks with No. 1 pick Appel

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Monday the club is "fully engaged" in contract talks with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, the right-handed pitcher from Stanford, and hopes to be able to complete a deal this week.

Sharp early, Norris endures rough sixth in defeat

Bud Norris was cruising through five scoreless innings and was one out away from finishing the sixth unscathed when the White Sox loaded the bases. Dayan Viciedo then cleared the bases with a three-run triple that sent the White Sox to a 4-2 win over the Astros on Monday night at Minute Maid Park.

Late blast helps lead Astros past White Sox in Houston

After Jason Castro's two-run blast in the seventh inning and another deep outing from starter Dallas Keuchel, Houston held back a ninth-inning rally to beat the White Sox, 5-4, on Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.

Astros players share Father's Day memories

For many Astros, Father's Day and baseball are inextricably linked, with their dads being an integral part of their careers dating all the way back to childhood tournaments.

Astros haven't had much need for long relief lately

Astros manager Bo Porter has one of the best problems in baseball. He can't seem to get his bullpen enough work.

Astros reach deals with four '13 Draft picks

The Astros signed four of their selections -- Conrad Gregor, Jacob Nottingham, Jon Kemmer and Ronnie Mitchell -- from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, Houston director of amateur scouting Mike Elias announced Saturday.

Blackley shares special moment with son

Father's Day came early this weekend for one Astros pitcher. Reliever Travis Blackley got to pitch in front of his son, Tristan, in a Major League game for the first time.

Pitch, Hit & Run finalists compete at Minute Maid

Baseball's future was on display Saturday morning at Minute Maid Park, as 22 boys and girls between the ages of 7-14 participated in the Astros' championship of Major League Baseball's Pinch, Hit & Run competition.

Report: Astros and top pick Appel reach agreement

The Astros have reached an agreement with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, according to a CBSSports.com report.

Homers boost Harrell, Astros past White Sox

Jason Castro and Chris Carter homered in the fourth inning to help the Astros move past the White Sox, 4-3, on Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. Lucas Harrell picked up the victory, allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings.

Altuve needs fan support for trip to All-Star Game

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve faces an uphill climb if he's going to be elected to the American League All-Star team. Altuve ranked fifth among AL second basemen with 734,896 votes in the latest polling released Saturday.

Maxwell not a given in center when he returns

Despite weeks of talk to the contrary, Justin Maxwell may not be the starting center fielder for the Astros when he finishes his rehab assignment from a fractured left hand suffered in April, manager Bo Porter said Friday.

Porter managing lineup against southpaws

With four White Sox southpaws starting against the Astros, manager Bo Porter has some tough lineup decisions to make until Monday. On Friday, Carlos Pena and Jason Castro were held out of the starting lineup.

Crane 'optimistic' about long-term TV deal

Astros owner Jim Crane is "optimistic" that a deal between Time Warner and CSN Houston to get Astros games on more televisions in the Houston area will be finalized before this season is over.

Astros take advantage of miscues to net win

The Astros scored two unearned runs in the fifth inning to rally past the White Sox, 2-1, on Friday night at Minute Maid Park. Erik Bedard worked six innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits, for the victory.

Astros agree to deal with second-round pick

Right-handed pitcher Andrew Thurman, taken by the Astros with the first pick of the second round in last week's First-Year Player Draft out of UC-Irvine, told MLB.com on Friday he had agreed to a contract with the Astros and was set to sign early next week.

Gregor among 10 Astros signings

The Astros signed their highest Draft pick to date when they agreed to terms on Thursday with Vanderbilt University first baseman/outfielder Conrad Gregor, a source confirmed for MLB.com.

Clemens' success a product of dad's early dedication

The stress that comes with being a special agent in the FBI was quickly washed away for Michael Clemens when he would come home from work and see his son, Paul, waiting in the driveway with a baseball glove and ball in hand in anticipation of some catch.

Ryan's close bond with family forged by togetherness

Nolan Ryan still speaks to his three children virtually every single day. This ritual, this simplest of gestures, sums up his views on fatherhood.

Astros end losing streak behind big ninth-inning rally

The Astros exploded for six runs in the ninth for a 6-1 win in the series finale against the Mariners in Seattle, avoiding the sweep and ending a six-game losing streak.

Martinez's multi-hit game comes up big Tuesday

As bad as things looked for Houston's offense during Tuesday's 4-0 loss in Seattle, things could have been much worse. J.D. Martinez's two hits were all that stood between Mariners starter Aaron Harang (5.60 ERA) and a no-hitter.