Houston Astros' left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez looked somewhat different when he took the mound against the Athletics on Thursday afternoon. It was hard to miss: in what could be Valdez's last start of the regular season as an Astro, he was missing his signature extensions, giving him a unique dreadlock hairstyle.

The Houston Astros open a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night still alive in the American League postseason race but needing some help to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The slumping Houston Astros fell out of playoff position, managing just three hits against Jeffrey Springs and three Athletics relievers in a 5-1 loss.

Framber Valdez, who will be a free agent, cut his hair then delivered a sterling start for Astros in pennant race

Both teams will be looking to turn things around in their upcoming series, but for Houston, they're clinging to a postseason berth at the moment. Following the sweep at the hands of the Mariners, Houston sits three games back of Seattle in the AL West.

The Astros are a favorite (-150) against the Angels (+126). The Houston Astros will give the start to Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA), who is looking for win No. 5 on the season, and the Angels will counter with Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA).

Jeremy Peña has been able to take a 'few swings' and is taking it 'day by day' ahead of final three games in Anaheim.

www.si.com/mlb/athletics Facing the Houston Astros is What Luis Severino Signed Up For Last Offseason Battery material company, Sila, is set to provide hundreds of jobs throughout the Columbia Basin as it aims to make Moses Lake the home of worldwide battery innovation.

The Houston Astros and A's wrap up a 3-game set Thursday at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. First pitch is scheduled for 3:35 p.m. ET.

Yordan Alvarez has yet to resume hitting or running while he works out in Houston after suffering ankle injury.