Astros vs. Twins Game Thread: Game 50, 5/19/2026

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (19-30) visit Target Field in Minneapolis for the second of a 3-game series vs. the Minnesota Twins (22-26).

RHP Jason Alexander (0-0, 14.21 ERA) takes on Twins RHP Zebby Matthews (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Alexander is making his first start of the season while Mathews is making his second start of the season.

ROADIES: Tonight is the 2nd game of a 10-game, 3-city road trip for the Astros. After this 3-game set at MIN, they will visit Chicago for a 3-game series at Wrigley Field (Fri.-Sun.) vs. the Cubs and then travel back to Texas for a 4-game series vs. the Rangers at Globe Life Field.

VS. THE TWINS: The Astros were 5-1 vs. MIN last season, going 3-0 at home and 2-1 here at Target Field. The Astros won 2 of 3 in their last visit to Target Field, April 3-6 of 2025 and then later swept MIN in a 3-game series at Daikin Park, June 13-15.

Since 2021, the Astros are 9-5 at Target Field and 18-13 vs. MIN overall.

ABOUT ALEXANDER: Alexander has been in Sugar Land for most of the season. He has pitched 6.1 innings this year in relief during a previous stint. He was a key contributor last season where he went 4-2 in 15 starts and a 4.77 ERA between the Astros and Athletics.

ABOUT MATTHEWS: Matthews has pitched parts of three seasons with the Twins. He has a career 7-10 record with a 5.59 ERA in 26 starts. He pitched seven scoreless innings in his last time out getting the win.

ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have placed RHP Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day IL (retro 5/16) due to right shoulder inflammation and optioned IF/OF Shay Whitcomb to Triple A Sugar Land…to take their places on the active roster, the Astros reinstated OF Jake Meyers and RHP Nate Pearson from the Injured List.