The Athletics host Houston at 8:40 p.m. CT Saturday, with Jack Perkins making his final start of 2026. The Astros chase the AL West title; results tonight and Sunday could make Houston or the Texas Rangers the first team to reach the playoffs without a winning record.
Perkins is 3-12 with a 5.90 ERA, but has gone 1-3 with a 2.62 ERA in his last seven games. In each of his last two starts, he pitched at least six innings and allowed one run. Astros starter Hayden Wesneski is 5-2 with a 3.50 ERA; in two career appearances against the Athletics, he is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA and last held them to one hit over five scoreless innings in Houston.
The preview says Tommy White's aggressive approach has hampered his first MLB stint. With injured sluggers Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker set to return next year, White could fall out of the Athletics' plans unless he improves his approach or unlocks the power he showed in college. The article also says impending free-agent catcher Jonah Heim needs a strong finish to attract interest.
