In a game full of familiar faces returning to the stadium formerly known as "The Juice Box" (Minute Maid Park), and now renamed Daikin Park, the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox in a 7-6 victory on Monday night.
Yet Monday's contest wasn't just another regular-season game. It marked the highly anticipated returns of Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman in Houston. Not to mention, Astros pitcher Cristian Javier made his season debut and his first start since May 21, 2024. Also, Astros reliever Hector Neris reached a decades-long of MLB service time.
Prior to the start of Monday's game, Correa reflected on his first game back in Houston. "I never thought I would get the chance to put on this uniform again, and I'm blessed to do this again in front of all the fans here in Houston," Correa said.
Correa, who dons the No. 1 jersey with the team, received a standing ovation from 'Stros fans.
On the other side, former Astros star Alex Bregman was honored with a tribute video before the game. Bregman, who is now a member of the Red Sox, had a decorated career with the Astros, including two World Series titles (2017 and 2022), three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award recipient, and a Golden Glove Award winner. In the game, Bregman, who is no stranger to the Astros' field, scored a two-run home run in the first inning off former teammate Cristian Javier, which gave Boston the early 2-0 lead.
Besides the long-anticipated returns of a couple of Astros players, Astros infielder Ramon Urias made a statement as he hit his first home run with the team to give Houston the lead 7-2 in the fifth inning.
Concerning Javier, he threw 85 pitches and had five strikeouts for the game.
The Astros will continue their three-game series against the Red Sox at home in Daikin Park on Tuesday and Wednesday.