Convenience Big Store: What we learned as Astros head to L.A. to take on Dodgers' juggernaut

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Today's starting lineup

Sweep dreams were not to be for the Astros, who fell to the MLB-worst Rockies in Thursday's series finale in Denver. Matt Kawahara shares his takeaways from the three-game set in the Mile High City as the Astros take a big step up in weight class with a series starting tonight at Dodger Stadium. The Astros also shared an update on Yordan Alvarez's injury that general manager Dana Brown termed "good news."

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros' Cam Smith doubles to drive in a run against Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland in the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo by: David Zalubowski, Associated Press

Mile-high takeways

Matt Kawahara shares his observations after the Astros' series against the Rockies, including Cam Smith looking comfortable as the cleanup hitter; Brice Matthews getting more work in Triple-A and the starting rotation possibly being juggled.

Rockies 7, Astros 6: The Astros are denied a sweep against the MLB-worst Rockies, with the loss just the fifth in the past 21 games for Houston. Read More
Alvarez update: Yordan Alvarez received two injections in his injured hand and will be shut down from baseball activities for "the upcoming days." Read More
McCormick starts rehab stint: Chas McCormick, sidelined since May 29 with an oblique injury, will start playing games for the Space Cowboys today. Read More
June's best: Hunter Brown and Josh Hader earn AL pitcher and reliever of the month honors, respectively, for June. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, and Houston Rockets center Jock Landale reach for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Photo by: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

Landale cut loose

Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela were expensive additions for Houston, but waiving Jock Landale saves the Rockets $8 million in salary.

Texans Vice President of football operations Jack Easterby walks on the field before the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Explanation from Easterby

Polarizing former executive Jack Easterby appeared on a podcast Thursday and explained why public sentiment turned against him as he quickly rose the ranks of the Texans organization.

Rice will return to play at Notre Dame for the first time since 2014 when Jowan Davis and the Owls took on the Irish.

Photo by: Icon Sports Wire, Corbis/Icon Sportswire Via Getty

Heading to South Bend

Rice will play at Notre Dame for the sixth time in school history, and the first since 2014, when the Owls play the Irish in 2026.

Local standout commits to UT: Mayde Creek edge rusher Kosi Okpala, ranked as the No. 35 overall player in Texas, chooses the Longhorns over Baylor, Houston and Miami. Read More

Soccer / Gold Cup

Fans cheer before Mexico plays Honduras for the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)

Photo by: Eakin Howard, Associated Press

Championship primer

The biggest rivalry in North American soccer is coming to NRG Stadium with the Gold Cup on the line as the U.S. faces Mexico on Sunday. Here's what you need to know.