After a rocky start coming out of the All-Star break, the Red Sox are suddenly streaking again, winners of four straight and six of their last seven. Boston enters Sunday in second place in the AL East, having passed the Yankees both for that spot and for the first wild card position in the American League.

The Houston Astros limped through much of July with a bruised and battered lineup, filled with rookies and replacement players. August will start with two welcomes for manager Joe Espada's nightly lineup card.