The Houston Astros are preparing for a pivotal series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night, with right-hander Hunter Brown set to start. This comes as the Astros contend with changes in their pitching staff following the return of Cristian Javier to the rotation after a 15-month break due to Tommy John surgery, and the sidelining of All-Star closer Josh Hader due to left shoulder discomfort.

Manager Joe Espada remains undecided on who will step into the closer role after placing Hader on the 15-day injured list. Although right-hander Bryan Abreu appears to be the likely successor given his previous role setting up Hader, Espada is open to deploying a combination of relievers to manage the bullpen.

Espada Emphasizes Team Effort Behind Closer Role

Speaking about the bullpen adjustments, Espada stressed the importance of collective effort in supporting the closer’s success.

For me, and I was talking to the relievers about this, for Josh Hader to be how successful he’s been, he needs guys to give him the ball with the lead,

Espada said.

All these guys have set him up to be the closer that he is. Not to take anything away from Josh. Josh is probably the best. But you need guys to help him get to that point, and these guys are capable of doing that. What you guys saw (Monday) with us piecing it together, we’re going to have to do more of that.

Espada also encouraged his bullpen to be ready and confident through the challenges ahead.

I told them to be ready to go, and they’ve been ready to go the whole entire season. We have the weapons to do it.

Hunter Brown Prepares to Halt Astros’ Recent Starting Struggles

Hunter Brown, holding a 9-5 record with a 2.51 ERA this season, is scheduled to start the series finale after the Astros fell 14-1 in their previous outing. Brown has yet to earn a win in his last six starts and is 0-2 across that span with a 4.73 ERA.

Despite recent difficulties, Brown stands out in several American League pitching categories. He ranks first in hits allowed per nine innings (6.21), second in opponent OPS (.571), and third both in ERA and with 160 strikeouts. In two previous starts against Boston, Brown has a 1-0 record with a 2.19 ERA, including a solid seven-inning performance allowing just one run.

Red Sox Counter with Walker Buehler on the Mound

Boston will start right-hander Walker Buehler (7-6, 5.40 ERA) for the series finale. Buehler delivered six shutout innings in a recent 10-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, showing signs of improvement after turning around a rough stretch earlier this year.

During his last six starts, Buehler has posted a 2-0 record with a 3.27 ERA, rebounding from a period where he lost five of six decisions and had a 9.29 ERA. Against Houston, Buehler holds a 1-1 record with a 3.72 ERA in four career starts.

Boston’s Lineup Adjustments Aim for Offensive Balance

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been rotating players at first base, starting Abraham Toro twice this series and likely to play Romy Gonzalez in the finale. Cora values the tactical advantages this provides, especially balancing the lineup against Boston’s bullpen.

We’re going to mix and match,

Cora explained.

Romy will probably play first (Wednesday). Try to keep the balance of the lineup. When teams have three lefties in the bullpen, it’s smart to keep Ref (Rob Refsnyder) and Romy on the bench if we’re going to be aggressive pinch-hitting. Having Abe swing the bat well is going to help us.

Looking Ahead: Series Finale Could Define Momentum

The Astros enter this critical game with Hunter Brown hoping to reverse his winless streak and help secure a series victory at home. Boston’s choice of Buehler and flexible lineup adjustments underline their intent to capitalize on recent strengths. This matchup not only impacts the current series outcome but could influence the teams’ confidence and pitching strategies moving deeper into the season.

With bullpen decisions still evolving for Houston in the absence of Josh Hader, the effectiveness of their relievers will be pivotal. Meanwhile, Boston’s balance between power hitters and strategic pinch-hitters will test the Astros’ defensive resilience. Fans can expect a tightly contested finish as both clubs look to assert control before the series concludes.