Convenience Big Store: Cristian Javier allows just one hit but questions remain

Today's starting lineup

Cristian Javier labored through 5 ⅔ innings of a 4-1 loss to the A's and left with a final line that defied clear conclusions about his progress.

He faced 19 batters before rookie Zack Gelof singled for the A's lone hit against him. Javier also issued six walks, equaling a career high. He threw just 48 of 97 pitches for strikes. He took the loss after exiting in the sixth with two runners on base, both of whom scored.

There were some positive signs Saturday. Catcher Martín Maldonado noted Javier's fastball had good life and that he generated more swing-and-misses than in recent starts. His fastball averaged 92.8 mph and touched 95 mph.

But command was clearly an issue.

"I thought he threw the ball nicely," Maldonado said. "Yeah, the walks. But he threw strikes when he needed. He didn't give in. I feel that his stuff was there today."

Turning to the NBA. the offseason is pretty much here. Even with James Harden and Damian Lillard still awaiting there trade fate, it's a good time to assess the key moves during the draft and free agency. Jonathan Feigen has a look.

And in college football, the outspoken Lane Kiffin has a few words to say about the transfer portal and NIL and what it is doing to the sports. It's worth a look at his perspective.

Stat of the day: 0. Hits for the Astros in nine at-bats with runners in scoring position. They entered Saturday with the majors' seventh-highest average with runners in scoring position (.272).

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker (30) walks to the dugout after striking out against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Photo by: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

A's 4, Astros 1

The loss was the Astros' first in nine games this season versus the A's. It cost Houston a chance to gain a game on the first-place Rangers.

One more try: Michael Brantley resumes hitting in bid to get healthy.
Second to none: Rookie Grae Kessinger drew his first start at second base and in the leadoff spot.

Rockets / NBA

The Suns' newest acquisition of Bradley Beal, far right, could form a formidable Big Three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Photo by: Getty Images

Assessing the NBA after a summer of trades, free agency and draft

Two pieces remain loose in James Harden and Damian Lillard but for now the Suns appear to be on rise again as Celtics, Warriors and Grizzlies make big gambles.

College Football

Photo by: George Walker IV, Associated Press

Lane Kiffin calls NIL setup, transfer portal a 'disaster'

While the Ole Miss coach supports players getting paid, he said the downsides of the current system "are not in the best interest of college football."

Women's World Cup

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22: Sophia Smith (2nd R) of USA celebrates with teammate Lindsey Horan (1st R) after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland / Tamaki Makaurau, New Zealand.

Photo by: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

What we learned in USWNT's 3-0 World Cup opening win over Vietnam

Sophia Smith scored twice in her World Cup debut, and Savannah DeMelo was sharp in her first USWNT start, but the victory still left some questions for the U.S. squad.

Dynamo / MLS

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, left, blocks a penalty kick by Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera (16) which was the deciding factor in a shootout to break a 1-1 tie during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Photo by: John Raoux, Associated Press

Dynamo earn a point in Leagues Cup

Houston, Orlando City SC played to a 1-1 tie before the Dynamo fell 5-4 on penalties.

British Open

Photo by: Jon Super/Associated Press

Brian Harman holds 5-shot lead at British Open

Brian Harman is one round away from becoming a major champion at the British Open. He started and ended the day with a five-shot lead at Royal Liverpool.