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Today's starting lineup

The Astros are bringing back a familiar face — catcher Christian Vázquez who played a key role in Houston's 2022 World Series team. Matt Kawahara explains why and what Houston's plans are for the veteran.

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

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Christian Vazquez of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 6, 2025 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn, Getty Images

Astros bringing back catcher Christian Vázquez on a minor-league deal

Christian Vázquez was part of the Houston Astros' 2022 World Sereis championship team and now is back to compete with César Salazar for a backup catcher spot.

'I love Houston': Taylor Trammell had a chance to go elsewhere when he was left off the Astros' 40-man roster, but he explained why this is where he wants to be as he fights for a roster spot. Read More
Making his case: The Houston Astros already have plenty of arms fighting for a spot at the back end of the starting rotation, but Jason Alexander is making a case to be included somewhere on the opening day roster. Read More

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) is double-teamed by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) and guard Isaac Seumalo (73) while attempting to pressure quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Texans have needs on OL, DL and at TE. Who will they sign in free agency?

The Houston Texans have several needs they can address in free agency next week. A look at some targets and predicting who they'll sign.

Houston forward Chase McCarty (24) celebrates with guard Milos Uzan (7) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Mitch Alcala)

Photo by: Mitch Alcala, Associated Press

UH gets a career-performance from Chase McCarty to escape with a win

Chase McCarty scores 20 points off the bench to help the Houston Cougars get by Oklahoma State on road and earn No. 2 seed in Big 12.

Oklahoma 88, Texas 85 (OT): The Longhorns still have some decent wins but losses like Saturday's to Oklahoma don't help NCAA chances as SEC tournament is next. Read More
Texas A&M 94, LSU 91 (3 OT): Texas A&M trailed for most of the game against LSU but rallied to win in triple overtime on the road in Baton Rouge. Read More

College Basketball / Women

Texas forward Breya Cunningham passes around Mississippi forward Christeen Iwuala during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.

Photo by: Chris Carlson, AP

Madison Booker's 31 points lift No. 4 Texas into the SEC title game

No. 4 Texas pulled away in the fourth quarter and beat 24th-ranked Mississippi 85-68 Saturday to reach the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship game for the second straight season.

High School Basketball / Girls

Flower Mound players Maya Cluley-Garza (3), facing camera, and Kennedy Jensen (30) share a consoling hug after the team's 55-45 loss to Humble Summer Creek for the state championship. The two teams played their Class 6A Division l girls state championship basketball game at the Alamodome in San Antonio on March 7, 2026.

Photo by: Steve Hamm

Summer Creek beats Flower Mound to win second consecutive state championship

Summer Creek beat Flower Mound to win its second consecutive UIL state championship in girls basketball.

Barbers Hill: After reaching the state championship game for the first time since 1997, Barbers Hill came up short of the title with a loss against Argyle. Read More

High School Basketball / Boys

Darryl Brown and Cy Falls are headed to the state semifinals after beating Jordan.

Photo by: Courtesy Of Cy-Fair ISD

State semifinals are set

Schedule and information for Houston-area teams competing in the UIL boys basketball state semifinals.

United States designated hitter Kyle Schwarber reacts with Aaron Judge after hitting a 2-run home run during the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Kyle Schwarber's home run sparks U.S. to 9-1 win over Great Britain

The United States is 2-0 in Pool B at Daikin Park and will play Mexico on Monday in the World Baseball Classic.

Espresso for all: Italy breaks out its espresso machine to celebrate in the dugout in 8-0 win over Brazil in World Baseball Classic Read More
Lucas being Lucas: After two homers in opener against the United States, Lucas Ramirez — Manny's son — shows off his arm in loss to Italy Read More