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Today's starting lineup

The Astros are off on Thursday, and the break couldn't come at a better time.

Houston showed some signs of breaking out of its funk when the Astros took two of three from the Rangers. But after being swept by the Braves — the latest coming in extra innings after blowing a 4-2 lead in the eighth inning — the team is left trying to find 'a way to win.'

Help is on the way. First, Justin Verlander is back and will start on Friday. And Framber Valdez could return at some point on the upcoming road trip.

The NFL draft is a week away, and although the Texans made some big moves in free agency they still have holes to fill. Jonathan M. Alexander breaks down their current depth chart with an eye toward the draft.

The other big event for the Texans next week is the unveiling of their new uniforms, the latest in a rebranding effort. Matt Young takes a look at the early hints.

For the Rockets, Jalen Green says he 'found out who I am' in a roller coaster third season. Next up for Houston will be the lottery and then the draft. Jonathan Feigen recaps Houston's draft assets.

In college basketball, Ryan Elvin was a fan favorite at UH as a walk-on in recent seasons. He isn't going far after graduating. He will be on Kelvin Sampson's staff.

In college football, Texas A&M's spring game is Saturday and is a chance for new coach Mike Elko to energize the fan base. At UH, Joseph Duarte continues his position series with a look at the Cougars' running backs.

And finally, the Chevron Championship tees off on Thursday. Defending champion Lilia Vu has been under the radar and she's OK with that. One reason is the winning streak of Nelly Korda.

Stat of the day: 1. Game in the majors for Forrest Whitley before being sent back down to Sugar Land.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) reacts after striking out during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Astros still trying to find a 'way to win'

Instead of making the key out or getting the big hit, Astros find a way to lose to Braves in extra innings

Braves 5, Astros 4 (10): Ryan Pressly blew a two-run lead in the eighth and Jeremy Peña grounded out into a double play in the 10th as the Astros fell to 6-14 after being swept by Braves.
A welcome sight: Justin Verlander will start in Friday's series opener at Washington after starting the season on the injured list while recovering from an offseason shoulder issue.
On the way back: Astros left-hander Framber Valdez, who hasn't pitched since April 2, could return during the team's upcoming road trip.
That was quick: After one day in the majors, Forrest Whitley is headed back to Sugar Land.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks down field after being flushed out of the pocked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (50) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Texans' post-free agency depth chart shows some holes before NFL draft

The Houston Texans have a few areas, particularly on defense, that they could target in the draft. They have nine picks, including three on day two.

Uni watch: The Texans will reveal their four new uniforms on April 23, but the team has been dropping hints about what we will see.
Local prospects: Adonai Mitchell, who started his high school career at Ridge Point, could be a first-round NFL draft pick and the first player from Houston area selected.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green pauses on the court during a Sacramento Kings free throw during the second half on an NBA basketball game on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Jalen Green says he 'found out who I am' in roller-coaster season

In his third season in NBA, Jalen Green says he grew from his struggles and broke bad habits

Draft assets: A look at the draft picks the Rockets hold over upcoming years after recent trades.
Changing of the (old) guard: The Golden State Warriors' cosmic reset began Tuesday night. Even if there's no big roster churn, next season will be about the kids moving into major roles, a changing of the old guard.