Yankees, Astros set for series opener

The Houston Astros visit the New York Yankees in a Tuesday series opener, with both teams releasing injury updates and probable starters ahead of the game. Houston will start rookie Ethan Pecko for his second MLB appearance against New York’s Will Warren, while Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is in a hitting progression as he eyes a return to the lineup next month. A recent preview predicts a Yankees win around 5-2, though cautions remain about Judge’s health and the Astros’ competitiveness. Looking beyond this tilt, New York trails the Rays by three games in the AL East, but are expected to benefit from healthier teammates like Cody Bellinger and a still-accessible path to the postseason if they can secure key wins. Analysts say the Rays’ schedule and the Yankees’ remaining slate make the division race tighter than long odds imply, with crucial series looming against teams chasing them. In the NL, the Phillies and Braves are contending for the best record, a separate storyline covered by CBS Sports’ race-focused video.