Convenience Big Store: As pitching depth takes another hit, Astros' bats struggle in loss

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The roof was open Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park. Unfortunately for Astros fans, the offense wasn't on display in the open air, as the home team registered a season-low three hits in a shutout loss to the Giants. For the second straight day, the Astros put a pitcher, this time Luis Garcia, on the injured list as they face a sudden depth crunch in their starting rotation. But there was a bit of good news as Jose Altuve took ground balls for the first time since his thumb surgery in late March.

UH is less than two months away from officially joining the Big 12. Before the July 1 big day, however, the Cougars have lots of work to do.

Why cranking out first- and second-round NFL draft picks has gotten difficult at Texas A&M. Meantime, LSU coach Brian Kelly pays a visit to Houston, a fertile recruiting ground for his program.

The Houston Open officially returns to the PGA Tour's spring schedule, a much-coveted slot for the Memorial Park event.

Stat of the day: 2. NBA MVPs born in Africa: the Rockets' Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria, 1994) and the 76ers' Joel Embiid, the Cameroon native who won this year's award Tuesday.

Greg Rajan
Texas Sports Nation editor
greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Struggle is real

The Astros had issues on offense with a season-low three hits while their pitchers walked a season-worst nine in a shutout loss to the Giants.

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Depth crunch hits home.

Luis Garcia, who left Monday's start with elbow discomfort after eight pitches, joins José Urquidy on the injured list as the Astros face a sudden starting-pitching shortage.

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Making progress.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve's recovery has progressed to the point where he took ground balls Tuesday for the first time since he underwent thumb surgery.

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Arm options.

The Astros may have to add two new starters to the rotation. They have five options currently on the 40-man roster.

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Special guest.

Before his show at House of Blues, Lil Wayne stopped by Minute Maid Park to rub elbows with Astros players.

UH / Big 12

Photo: Mark Mulligan / Staff Photographer

Lots to do, but little time

The University of Houston's official entry into the Big 12 is less than two months away, but there's still plenty for the Cougars to do as the days count down to July 1.

College Football

Photo: Michael Wyke, Associated Press

Not really feeling the draft

Texas A&M was shut out of the first and second rounds of the NFL draft for the third time in four years, a reflection of the Aggies' SEC struggles.

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Mr. Smith goes to Houston.

Linebacker Aubrey Smith, out in Colorado after Deion Sanders took over as coach, is transferring to Houston.

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Bayou City to Tigers' liking.

From a top prospect like linebacker Harold Perkins to a former walk-on like Josh Williams, Houston-area players have key roles at LSU, as Brian Kelly makes clear during a visit to the city.

Texans / NFL

Photo: Amy Lemus / NurPhoto Via Getty Images

Secondary option

The Texans added depth to their secondary by claiming safety Tyree Gillespie off waivers from the Jaguars.

NBA Playoffs

Photo: Jeff Chiu, AP

Wild West opener

Anthony Davis had 30 points and 23 rebounds and LeBron James added 22 points as the Lakers survived a late rally by the host Warriors to win Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

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Knicks 111, Heat 105.

Jalen Brunson scored 30 points and keyed the run host New York needed just in time to get by a Miami team playing without Jimmy Butler, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at a game apiece.

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Finally his time.

76ers center and league scoring champion Joel Embiid earns his first NBA Most Valuable Player award, topping two-time winner Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.

Soccer

Photo: Carmen Mandato, Getty Images

Chance to rebound

After suffering their first loss, the Dash look to get back on the winning side against Chicago tonight in part of the NWSL's in-season tournament.

Golf

Photo: Tim Warner, Contributor

It happens next spring

The PGA Tour officially announces the Houston Open dates for late March 2024, getting the Memorial Park event back to a desired spot on the spring schedule.