So, you're looking for the score. Honestly, if you're checking for a live Houston Astros box score right now on January 18, 2026, there’s a very specific reason your screen might be looking a bit empty.
There isn't a game.
It’s mid-January. While the city is currently buzzing over the Houston Texans and their massive divisional playoff matchup against the New England Patriots today, the Astros are essentially in the quietest part of their calendar. Baseball is a summer game, and right now, the guys are mostly just working out in private or getting ready to head to Florida.
If you came here expecting a live update on a home run from Jose Altuve or a strikeout from Hunter Brown, you've basically arrived about five weeks too early. But don't click away yet—there’s actually a ton happening behind the scenes that’s going to dictate how that "live score" looks once the season actually starts.
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What's the score on the Houston Astros game? The 2026 schedule reality
Since there is no live score to report today, the next best thing is knowing when the first one will actually count. The Astros are slated to start their 2026 Spring Training campaign on February 22, 2026, against the St. Louis Cardinals. That game will be held at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Mark your calendars. That’s the first time you’ll see a digit next to the Astros' name this year.
For those of you who strictly care about the games that matter for the standings, the 2026 Regular Season doesn't kick off until March 26, 2026. The Astros will be hosting the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park (the newly renamed home of the 'Stros).
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Key Dates for the 2026 Season:
- January 23, 2026: The Astros Caravan hits the UTSA campus in San Antonio. If you want to see the players in person before the season starts, this is your best bet.
- Mid-February 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach. This is when the "real" news starts trickling out regarding injuries and velocity.
- February 22, 2026: First Grapefruit League game vs. St. Louis.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day vs. LA Angels.
Why the "Score" might feel confusing right now
You might have seen some "Houston" scores floating around social media today. It's almost certainly the Texans. They are playing a high-stakes NFL playoff game at 3:00 PM ET today. It’s easy to get the two mixed up if you’re just glancing at a sports ticker that says "HOU."
As for the baseball side of things, the "score" of the offseason has been mostly about the roster. The biggest news hitting the wire this month is the signing of Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai. Manager Joe Espada has already been vocal about how Imai fits into the rotation.
The team is leaning toward a six-man rotation to start 2026. Why? Because they play 26 games in the first 28 days of the season. That’s a brutal stretch. Giving guys like Imai, who is used to more rest in Japan, and Cristian Javier an extra day could be the difference between a mid-season collapse and a deep October run.
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What most people get wrong about the current roster
A lot of fans are asking about the infield. It is crowded. Like, "too many talented people in one room" crowded. You've got Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes, and Christian Walker.
Where does that leave a guy like Brice Matthews?
Matthews is one of the top prospects, but the latest word from inside the organization is that he'll likely start the season in Triple-A Sugar Land. It's a tough pill to swallow for a kid who showed flashes of brilliance last year, including a two-homer game off Zac Gallen. But unless there’s a trade or an injury during Spring Training, there just isn't a seat at the table for him in Houston yet.
What to watch for in the coming weeks
Since we can't give you a final score today, keep an eye on these specific storylines as we approach February. This is where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
- Framber Valdez's Status: He’s a free agent. Losing him would be a massive blow to the clubhouse culture, even with the new pitching depth.
- Lance McCullers Jr. Health: Can he actually stay on the mound? He showed flashes in 2025 (like that 12-strikeout game against the A’s), but consistency is the ghost he's been chasing for years.
- The Center Field Battle: With Jake Meyers and a group of young guys like Zach Cole and Cam Smith vying for time, the "score" of that competition will be the headline of March.
Actionable Next Steps
Since the Astros aren't playing today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve so you're ready when Opening Day arrives:
- Check the Texans Score: If you’re a Houston fan, the Texans vs. Patriots game is the only live action in town. Check the CBS Sports or ESPN app for real-time updates on C.J. Stroud’s progress.
- Book Spring Training Tickets: If you're planning to head to Florida, tickets for the February 22nd opener against the Cardinals are already on sale via Ticketmaster and the official MLB site.
- Monitor the 40-Man Roster: Keep an eye on MLB Trade Rumors. The Astros still have an "abundance" of infielders, and a trade before Spring Training is highly likely to clear the logjam.
- Download the 2026 Schedule: Grab a printable version from MLB.com so you don't find yourself searching for a score in the middle of January again.