The World Series champion Astros have lost a season-high four in a row, getting swept for the first time this year when Texas took three straight at Minute Maid Park over the weekend. Houston also is minus its star middle infielders – second baseman Jose Altuve has a sore knee and is on the disabled list for the first time in his career and shortstop Carlos Correa has a back problem.
Sandoval ran out his first triple in more than three years, but strained his right hamstring diving home and is set for an MRI. McCutchen was pulled for a pinch-hitter after fouling multiple pitches off his left foot. The team also is waiting test results after Johnny Cueto met with doctors regarding his sore elbow – he’s winless in four starts since coming off a two-month stay on the disabled list.