Worth noting

• The Astros will not face Texas ace Yu Darvish during this series, prompting this response from Astros manager Bo Porter: "Isn't that good news?" Porter plans to mention the good news throughout the series.

• Left-hander Travis Blackley will start for the Rangers on Tuesday night. He was acquired from the Astros in a trade on Aug. 14.

• The Astros took two of three from the A's and Angels on this nine-game road trip. The last time Houston won consecutive road series was May 29-June 3 against the Rockies and Angels.