1988 Houston Astros season

March 2026 November 2013 Houston Astros 1988 National League West The Astrodome Houston, Texas 82 80 y 5th John McMullen Bill Wood Hal Lanier KTXHHSE KTRH(Bill Brown, Milo Hamilton, Larry Dierker, Bruce Gietzen, Bill Worrell)KBUC(Orlando Sánchez-Diago, Rolando Becerra) The 1988 Houston Astros season was the 27th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 24th as the Astros, 27th in the National League (NL), 20th in the NL West division, and 24rd at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season having completed a 76–86 record and in third place, 14 games behind the division champion San Francisco Giants. On April 5, Mike Scott made his second Opening Day start for the Astros. They hosted the San Diego Padres and won, 6–3, also the 2,000th victory in franchise history. During the amateur draft, the Astros selected outfielder Willie Ansley in the first round at 7th overall, infielder Dave Silvestri in the second round, and outfielder Kenny Lofton in the 17th round. Pitcher Bob Knepper represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game, and played for the National League, his second career selection. The Astros concluded the season with an 82–80 record, in fifth place and 12 1 2 games behind the division champion and World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Pitcher Nolan Ryan, who led the NL in strikeouts (228) for a second consecutive and in his final season as an Astro, made for the third consecutive season an Astros hurler led the league in strikeouts for the first time in franchise history Offseason October 13, 1987: Catcher Ronn Reynolds was released by the Houston Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reynoro02.shtml Ronn Reynolds stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com September 7, 2025 December 8, 1987: Third baseman Ed Whited was traded by the Houston Astros with pitcher Mike Stoker (minors) to the Atlanta Braves for Rafael Ramírez and cash.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whiteed02.shtml Ed Whited stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com January 25, 2018 January 8, 1988: Pitcher Joaquín Andújar was signed as a free agent by the Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/a/andujjo01.shtml Joaquin Andújar stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 14, 2025 March 10, 1988: Ernie Camacho was signed as a free agent by the Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/c/camacer01.shtml Ernie Camacho stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 14, 2025 March 25, 1988: Robbie Wine was traded by the Astros to the Texas Rangers for Mike Loynd.https://www.baseball-reference.com/w/winero01.shtml Robbie Wine stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 23, 2025 Regular season Summary April + Opening Day starting lineup Uniform Uniform number Player Position 2 Gerald Young Center fielder 28 Billy Hatcher Left fielder 19 Bill Doran Second baseman 27 Glenn Davis First baseman 29 Denny Walling Third baseman 14 Alan Ashby Catcher 21 Terry Puhl Right fielder 16 Rafael Ramírez Shortstop 33 Mike Scott Pitcher Venue: Astrodome • Houston 6, San Diego 3 Sources:https://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=198804050HOU San Diego Padres (3) vs Houston Astros (6) box score Baseball Almanac April 5, 1988 September 22, 2025https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1988-uniform-numbers.shtml 1988 Houston Astros uniform numbers Baseball-Reference.com September 22, 2025 On April 5, the Astros hosted the San Diego Padres on Opening Day, with right-hander Mike Scott making his second consecutive Opening Day start. In the top of the eighth, he surrendered two runs to the Padres. However, in the bottom of the inning, Kevin Bass' two-run single keyed a five-run rally which stood as Houston held on for the 6–3 win. Hence, the decision for the pitching win went to Scott.Hulsey Bob https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/thisdate/index.html This date in Astros history Astros Daily September 7, 2025 The Opening Day victory was also the 2,000th win in the history of the Houston Astros franchise.Houston's milestone win that doubled this total, 4,000, was another Opening Day victory, the one that commenced the 2013 season for their first game as an American League (AL) team, hosting the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. "Note"https://www.mlb.com/astros/history/timeline Astros history – Timeline MLB.com August 30, 2025Mathews Nick March 31, 2013 On night of firsts, Astros bag 4,000 win https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/on-night-of-firsts-astros-bag-4-000-win-4398928.php Houston Chronicle September 21, 2025 On April 10, Kevin Bass, pinch hitting for right fielder Terry Puhl, hit the Astros' first-ever grand slam at Riverfront Stadium, and the Astros' first grand slam against Cincinnati since June 11, 1964, by Bob Aspromonte.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/event_finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1962&year_max=2001&team_id=HOU&event=23&type=b&criteria151=rob---111 Batting event finder HOU:93 Home Runs in 1962-2001—123 Stathead Sport Reference August 13, 2026 Bass took Pat Perry deep in the top of the ninth inning as the Astros routed the Cincinnati Reds, 12–3. Glenn Davis (4) also homered. Mike Scott (2–0) earned the victory and complete game.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN198804100.shtml Houston Astros (12) vs Cincinnati Reds (3) box score Baseball Reference April 10, 1988 August 24, 2026 This was also the fourth pinch-hit grand in Astros team history, with the most recent having been hit by teammate Craig Reynolds on April 12, 1986.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/event_finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1962&year_max=2001&team_id=HOU&event=23&type=b&criteria102=def_pos---11&criteria106=rob---111 Batting event finder HOU:93 Home Runs in 1962-2001—123, PH Stathead Sport Reference August 24, 2026 On April 27, Nolan Ryan came within two outs of his sixth no-hitter, maintaining a 2–0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the top of the ninth, when Mike Schmidt singled into center field. In the bottom of the third inning, Bill Doran singled home Rafael Ramírez and Gerald Young, staking Houston to a 2–0 lead. Leading off the top of the ninth, Greg Gross' weak grounder to second allowed him to reach via an error, Schmidt singled, Juan Samuel struck out, and Von Hayes flied out. Lance Parrish then lined a two-run double to the left-center field gap to tie the game, with both runs being unearned. Ryan departed with a game score of 84. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the tenth, Glenn Davis scored as the walk-off run when Craig Reynolds hit into a fielder's choice. Dave Smith (1–1) retired the Phillies in order in the top of the tenth to earn the win.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198804270.shtml Philadelphia Phillies (2) vs Houston Astros (3) box score Baseball-Reference.com April 27, 1988 January 17, 2026 May On May 8, Bill Doran tied a major league record among second basemen for a 9-inning game by turning six double plays.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/rb_gidp2.shtml -Double play records for second basemen Baseball Almanac February 15, 2026 Having gone more than two years since his most recent complete game, on May 13, Nolan Ryan went the distance to lead an 8–2 win over the Chicago Cubs. First baseman Glenn Davis collected four runs batted in (RBI), while Gerald Young stroked four hits to lead the Astros' offense.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/5/13/24429221/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - May 13 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation May 13, 2025 September 7, 2025 With strong windy conditions all around Pittsburgh on May 23, the Astros held a 3–0 advantage going into the ninth inning. However, the game was called due to debris on the field at Three Rivers Stadium, and Mike Scott, who had held the Pirates scoreless for 8 innings, got the win.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/5/23/24435682/today-in-astros-history#comments Today in Astros history - May 23 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation May 23, 2025 August 12, 2025 June On June 6, Gerald Young became the first player in club history to reach base six times within a nine-inning game, and seventh overall. He reached on two singles and drew four base on balls. Young also looted three bases.Without reaching via error. For single games, playing for HOU, in the regular season, requiring times on base ≥ 6, sorted by ascending date.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-batting-game-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by_asc=1&order_by=date&timeframe=seasons&ccomp%5B3%5D=gt&cval%5B3%5D=6&cstat%5B3%5D=b_tob&team_id=HOU Player batting game stats finder Stathead Sports Reference February 22, 2026 Kevin Bass (12), Terry Puhl (3), and Billy Hatcher (16) each also performed larceny on the basepaths. Glenn Davis homered (12), and he, and Denny Walling each delivered three RBI to lead a 10–6 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bob Knepper (7–1) allowed two runs in six frames to pick up the victory.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN198806060.shtml Houston Astros (10) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (6) box score Baseball-Reference.com June 6, 1988 February 22, 2026 On June 12, Mike Scott was denied a second career no-hitter when Ken Oberkfell of the Atlanta Braves laced a clean single to right field with two outs in the ninth inning. Oberkfell's single was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar evening for Scott as he fanned eight, walked none, and led the Astros to victory, 5–0. Terry Puhl, Kevin Bass and Craig Reynolds each contributed three hits. Craig Biggio made his major league debut at catcher on June 26 in a 6–0 win over the San Francisco Giants. Though he went hitless, Biggio stole second base and scored Houston's final run.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/6/26/24456267/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - June 26 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation June 26, 2025 June 26, 2025 Starting in place of an injured Alan Ashby, at the plate, Biggio also drew a walk, struck out and flied out. During the second inning, Biggio pegged José Uribe at third base for his first baserunner caught stealing. Biggio caught southpaw Jim Deshaies, also the winning pitcher.Rajan Greg https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/Flashback-Craig-Biggio-s-Astros-debut-was-30-13023813.php Flashback: Craig Biggio's Astros debut was 30 years ago today Houston Chronicle June 26, 2018 January 25, 2026 On June 29, Biggio singled off Orel Hershiser during the third inning at the Astrodome for his first major league hit.Cherry Gene https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/biggio-collects-3-000th-hit-as-astros-beat-rockies-idUSSP205107/ Biggio collects 3,000th hit as Astros beat Rockies Reuters June 29, 2007 January 3, 2026 Biggio also pilfered his second base. However, Hershiser (12–3) was dominant, hurling a two-hit, 2–0, shutout victory to outduel Ryan (5–6), who took the defeat. Ryan yielded four hits, four walks and two runs while striking out 10 over 7 1 3 frames.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198806290.shtml Los Angeles Dodgers (2) vs Houston Astros (0) box score Baseball-Reference.com June 29, 1988 January 25, 2026 July During the nightcap of a doubleheader on July 1 at Shea Stadium, Biggio led off the top of the third inning with a short line drive off Rick Aguilera down the left field line for his first double and extra-base hit in the major leagues. During the top of the 13th inning, Kevin Bass singled in Billy Hatcher for the game-winning run and 6–5 triumph over the New York Mets.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN198807012.shtmll Houston Astros (6) vs New York Mets (5) box score—Game 2 Baseball-Reference.com July 1, 1988 January 27, 2026 Rafael Ramírez recorded his first four-hit game as a member of the Astros.https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/R/PX_ramir001.htm Top performances for Rafael Ramírez Retrosheet January 27, 2026 Nolan Ryan: 100 wins each on two teams in two leagues During a nationally-televised broadcast on July 9, Nolan Ryan earned his 100th victory in an Astros uniform. He joined Cy Young as the only major leaguers to win 100 or more games each with two teams, along with 100 games each in the National and American Leagues. Ryan also had 138 wins as a member of the California Angels. Winless over his previous seven starts while carrying a personal seven-game losing streak to the Mets, Ryan allowed three runs on eight hits over 7 1 3 frames, walking three and striking out five in a 6–3 Astros triumph. This was Ryan's 267th career win overall, ranking him 28th at the time.McLemore Ivy https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/19880709/index.html Ryan handcuffs Mets for 100th victory as Astro Houston Post July 9, 1988 January 26, 2026 Prior to the milestone win with Houston, Ryan (6–7) had already paralleled Young, Jim Bunning, Gaylord Perry, and Ferguson Jenkins with the feat of attaining 100 victories in each league. Moreover, Ryan became the seventh pitcher to have won at least 100 contests with two clubs, which included Young, Pud Galvin, John Clarkson, Bob Caruthers, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and Lefty Grove. After a sluggish start by Ryan, the Astros found themselves in a three-run hole early against baseball's best team 53 32 y. However, four Astros responded with multi-hit games. In the second inning, Glenn Davis and Buddy Bell scorched back-to-back singles, prior to a ground rule double by Billy Hatcher that blazed over the center field wall. With one run in, Mets starter Sid Fernandez then halted additional damage by retiring Rafael Ramírez on a foul out, and struck out Biggio and Ryan. In the third, a control lapse by Fernandez opened an opportunity Gerald Young, who led off the inning with a walk, stole second base, advanced to third on Gary Carter's throwing error, and scored on a wild pitch. During his second inning of relief, Rick Aguilera (0–4) began to lose touch of his command, issuing three base on balls. Davis, Bell, and Hatcher each stung run-scoring singles. Biggio then drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the Astros' sixth run. The Astros won their second game in a row after having lost six in a row at home for the first time since the outset of the 1983 campaign. Ryan became the fifth moundsman to claim at least 100 victories for the Astros, following Larry Dierker, Don Wilson, J. R. Richard, and Joe Niekro. Biggio was the starting catcher as Ryan's batterymate, just his 12th contest as a major leaguer.McTaggart Brian https://www.mlb.com/news/craig-biggio-s-top-moments 10 moments that defined Biggio's career MLB.com December 13, 2023 August 24, 2025 Rest of July On July 17, Glenn Davis connected for the 100th home run of his career, launching an offering from Mike Maddux deep to left field. This shot occurred in the top of the sixth at Veterans Stadium, breaking a scoreless tie.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=davisgl01&t=b Glenn Davis career home runs Baseball-Reference.com November 8, 2025 August On August 22, Craig Biggio cranked his first major league home run, a tie-breaking solo shot served by Rich Gossage that touched off an extra-innings rally past the Chicago Cubs.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=biggicr01&t=b Craig Biggio career home runs Baseball-Reference.com November 12, 2025 Later in the top of the tenth inning, Gerald Young scored on a misplay of Kevin Bass' fly ball to center field, and Davis followed with a single to score Bass and raise the score, 9–6. In the bottom of the tenth, a balk called on Juan Agosto scored Shawon Dunston; however, Agosto buckled down to record the final out and preserve a 9–7 Houston triumph.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN198808220.shtml Houston Astros (9) vs Chicago Cubs (7) box score Baseball-Reference.com August 22, 1988 November 12, 2025 September Owing both to longevity and a propensity to issue walks, on September 8, Ryan furnished just the second complete game of his career without having issued any base on balls. This was the 184th complete game for "The Ryan Express."First occurrence was on June 12, 1983. "Note"Nolan Ryan, for single games, in complete games, in the regular season, sorted by ascending bases on balls. lower-alpha "No-walk CG"https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-pitching-game-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by_asc=1&order_by=p_bb&player_id=ryan--001lyn&timeframe=seasons&role=CG Nolan Ryan player pitching game stats finder Stathead Sports Reference January 3, 2026 Ryan (11–11) led the Astros to a 2–1 win over Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium, yielding five hits and whiffing seven. Kirk Gibson's home run to deep right in the bottom of the fourth was the only play that prevented a shutout. In the top of the fourth, Ryan's batterymate, Alex Treviño, homered to temporarily inject a 1–0 lead for Houston. In the top of the eighth, Glenn Davis singled to right field and advanced on a throwing error by Mike Davis. Buddy Bell followed with a single to center which scored Davis for the go-ahead run, 2–1.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN198809080.shtml Houston Astros (2) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (1) box score Baseball-Reference.com September 8, 1988 January 3, 2026 On September 14, Ryan maintained the momentum and delivered a second consecutive outing that featured a complete game without a base on balls. He struck out 13 as Houston defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 7–1.lower-alpha "No-walk CG" The Astros became the fifth chapter of Orel Hershiser's scoreless innings streak on September 19, during which Hershiser totaled a major-league record 59.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/consecutive_scoreless_innings_pitched.shtml Consecutive scoreless innings pitched records Baseball Almanac January 30, 2026 Los Angeles defeated Houston, 1–0, as Hershiser (22–8) fired a four-hit shutout. The only run of the contest arrived via a solo home run from John Shelby in the top of the seventh off a Danny Darwin offering (7–12), who allowed just three hits over six frames in relief of Nolan Ryan. Ryan, the Astros' starter for the game,https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198809190.shtml Los Angeles Dodgers (0) vs Houston Astros (1) box score Baseball-Reference.com September 19, 1988 January 30, 2026 departed after two innings due to a hamstring cramp. Prior to the injury, Ryan struck out four and issued a base on balls to Franklin Stubbs,McManis Sam https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-09-20-sp-2434-story.html Dodgers shut out Houston: Hershiser runs scoreless streak to 40 innings, 1–0 Los Angeles Times September 20, 1988 January 30, 2026 hallmarking a career-long streak of 21 consecutive innings without having issued a base on balls,Chuck Bill https://archive.nytimes.com/bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/15/nolan-ryans-no-hit-no-walk-games/ Nolan Ryan’s no-hitters and no-walk games The New York Times May 15, 2010 January 30, 2026 This would be his final appearance in an Astros uniform.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=ryanno01&t=p&year=1988 Nolan Ryan 1988 pitching game logs Baseball-Reference.com January 30, 2026 Bob Knepper tossed his first career one-hit shutout on September 21,https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/K/PX_knepb001.htm Top performances for Bob Knepper Retrosheet March 14, 2026 and second shutout of the season, leading a 1–0 triumph over the Atlanta Braves. Knepper also obtained his top game score of the season at 91.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=kneppbo01&t=p&year=1988 Bob Knepper 1988 pitching game logs Baseball-Reference.com December 2, 2025 Knepper (14–5) faced the minimum, yielding just one walk while striking out seven. The lone blemish was Dale Murphy's slow roller to third base for a leadoff single in top of the second inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Gerald Young singled in Ken Caminiti for the contest's only run off Pete Smith. Smith nearly matched Knepper pitch for pitch, earning a complete game despite an eight-inning loss.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198809210.shtml Atlanta Braves (0) vs Houston Astros (1) box score Baseball-Reference.com September 21, 1988 December 2, 2025 Performance overview The Astros concluded the season with an 82–80 record, in fifth place and 12 1 2 games behind the division- and World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1988.shtml 1988 National League team statistics Baseball-Reference.com May 17, 2026 In spite of the fifth-place ranking, this finalization indicated the team's seventh winning campaign over the prior ten dating to 1979—at the time, a figure superior to any ten-year span in club history. The Astros also drew over 1.9 million fans for the second consecutive season, an increase of nearly 24 thousand, and most since 1980. This was the third consecutive season drawing an attendance of at least 1.7 million, also a club first.https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/ Houston Astros team history & encyclopedia Baseball-Reference.com November 14, 2025 Nolan Ryan concluded the season as the NL leader in strikeouts (228), his second consecutive (270 in 1987), and in his final season as a Houston Astro.Ryan followed up the strikeout titles in 1987 and 1988 with two more in succession in the American League (AL), while aggregating 11 total during his career. lower-alpha "Strikeout titles"https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanno01.shtml Nolan Ryan stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 14, 2025 Counting Mike Scott's strikeout title in 1986 (306), this was the third consecutive season that an Astros hurler had led the league in strikeouts, the first time in franchise history that this had been accomplished. It was Houston's fifth individual strikeout title in 11 seasons. Moreover, Ryan joined J. R. Richard as the second Astros hurler to win consecutive strikeout titles (303 in 1978 and 313 in 1979).https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/SO_p_leagues.shtml Yearly league leaders & records for strikeouts Baseball-Reference.com September 15, 2025 As it was with the season prior, Ryan again became the oldest pitcher in major-league history to lead the in strikeouts.Boston Talmadge https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/nolan-ryan/ Nolan Ryan biography Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) January 4, 2012 December 21, 2025 Except for the 1986 season, Ryan led the Astros pitching staff in strikeouts in eight of the nine seasons he was with the team. He left Houston their franchise leader in strikeouts (1,866), furnished the most 10-strikeout contests (53),https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/strikeouts.html The Strikeout Zone Astros Daily January 10, 2026 and the most 200-strikeout seasons (five).Number of seasons player meets criteria, playing for HOU, in the regular season, requiring strikeouts ≥ 200, sorted by descending instances.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-pitching-season-finder.cgi?request=1&match=player_season_count&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=200&cstat%5B1%5D=p_so&team_id=HOU Player pitching season & career stats finder–baseball Stathead Sports Reference January 17, 2026 Ryan departed for the Texas Rangers during the offseason. This roster included pitchers with a portfolio of eight career no-hitters, with five (at the time) by Nolan Ryan,Pitched a total of 7 no-hitters. lower-alpha "No-hitter pitcher" two by Bob Forsch, and one by Mike Scott.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/pitching/official-no-hitters.shtml Official no-hitters in Major League Baseball Baseball Almanac October 14, 2025 The 1988 staff tossed three one-hit complete games. Two additional no-hit bids were broken up in the ninth inning: Nolan Ryan on April 27, and Mike Scott on June 12; while, on September 21, Bob Knepper hurled a one-hit shutout. The Astros set a club record with 198 stolen bases, surpassing 1980 squad, in which they aggregated 194 stolen bases.https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/batteam.shtml Houston Astros team yearly batting stats Baseball-Reference.com January 16, 2026 Gerald Young also set the individual franchise single-season stolen base record with 65 bags, outdistancing the 61 by César Cedeño in 1977. Young became the third baserunner in franchise history with 50 or more steals, while this was the eight such campaign overall. Cedeño generated the first six—all successively—launching in 1972, and Billy Hatcher joined Cedeño in 1987.For single seasons, playing for HOU, in the regular season, requiring stolen bases ≥ 50, sorted by descending stolen bases.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-batting-season-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by=b_sb&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=50&cstat%5B1%5D=b_sb&team_id=HOU Player batting season & career stats finder–baseball Stathead Sports Reference January 2, 2026 Manager Hal Lanier was dismissed from his post following three seasons leading the Astros, concluding his tenure with a record of 254 232 y.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/manager.php?p=lanieha01 Hal Lanier MLB manager stats Baseball Almanac April 12, 2026 In 1986, Lanier became the first Houston Astro to win the NL Manager of the Year Award,https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_mgy.shtml MLB Manager of the Year Award Baseball Almanac April 12, 2026 having guided the Astros to a then-club-record 96 victories and third NL West division title. However, the Astros slipped in the standings to third place in 1987 and fifth in 1988. Roster 1988 Houston Astros Roster Pitchers 49 Juan Agosto 42 Larry Andersen 47 Joaquín Andújar 13 Ernie Camacho 50 Rocky Childress 44 Danny Darwin 43 Jim Deshaies 31 Bob Forsch 31,41 Jeff Heathcock 39 Bob Knepper 53 Dave Meads 35 Brian Meyer 34 Nolan Ryan 33 Mike Scott 45 Dave Smith Catchers 14 Alan Ashby  6 Mark Bailey  4 Craig Biggio  9 Alex Treviño Infielders 25 Buddy Bell 11 Ken Caminiti  1 Casey Candaele 27 Glenn Davis 19 Bill Doran 23 Chuck Jackson 20 Jim Pankovits 16 Rafael Ramírez 12 Craig Reynolds 29 Craig Smajstrla  6 Harry Spilman 29 Denny Walling Outfielders 17 Kevin Bass  3 Cameron Drew 18 John Fishel 28 Billy Hatcher  5 Steve Henderson 26 Louie Meadows 21 Terry Puhl  2 Gerald Young Manager 22 Hal Lanier Coaches  8 Yogi Berra (Bench) 10 Gene Clines (Hitting) 48 Matt Galante (First Base) 54 Marc Hill (Bullpen) 15 Denis Menke (Third Base) 55 Les Moss (Pitching) Notable transactions July 23, 1988: Mark Bailey was traded by the Astros to the Montreal Expos for Casey Candaele.https://www.baseball-reference.com/c/candaca01.shtml Casey Candaele stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 23, 2025 August 31, 1988: Denny Walling was traded by the Astros to the St. Louis Cardinals for Bob Forsch.https://www.baseball-reference.com/f/forscbo01.shtml Bob Forsch stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 23, 2025 Draft picks June 1, 1988: 1988 Major League Baseball draft: Dave Silvestri was drafted by the Astros in the 2nd round. Player signed October 18, 1988.https://www.baseball-reference.com/s/silveda01.shtml Dave Silvestri stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com January 17, 2026 Kenny Lofton was drafted by the Astros in the 17th round. Lofton signed on June 16, 1988.https://www.baseball-reference.com/l/loftoke01.shtml Kenny Lofton stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com January 17, 2026 Game log Regular season Legend Astros win Astros loss Postponement Eliminated from playoff raceBoldAstros team member background:#072854;color:#FF7F00; 1988 regular season game log: 82–80 (Home: 44–37; Away: 38–43)1988 Houston Astros Schedule & Results https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1988-schedule-scores.shtml Baseball Reference 8 May 2025 y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; April: 14–7 (Home: 10–3; Away: 4–4) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 || April 5 || || Padres || 6–3 || || || || || || 1–0 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 || April 6 || || Padres || 5–1 || || || || || || 2–0 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 || April 8 || || @ Reds || 8–3 (16) || || || || || || 3–0 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 4 || April 9 || || @ Reds || 4–5 || || || || || || 3–1 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 || April 10 || || @ Reds || 12–3 || || || || || || 4–1 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 || April 12 || || @ Braves || 8–3 || || || || || || 5–1 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 || April 13 || || @ Braves || 4–0 || || || || || || 6–1 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 || April 14 || || Reds || 9–3 || || || || || || 7–1 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 9 || April 15 || || Reds || 2–4 (10) || || || || || || 7–2 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 10 || April 16 || || Reds || 2–8 || || || || || || 7–3 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 || April 17 || || Reds || 5–3 || || || || || || 8–3 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 12 || April 19 || || Braves || 4–5 || || || || || || 8–4 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 || April 20 || || Braves || 1–0 || || || || || || 9–4 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 || April 21 || || Braves || 8–0 || || || || || || 10–4 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 15 || April 22 || || @ Padres || 1–3 || || || || || || 10–5 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 16 || April 23 || || @ Padres || 0–4 || || || || || || 10–6 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 17 || April 24 || || @ Padres || 0–3 || || || || || || 10–7 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 18 || April 26 || || Phillies || 3–1 || || || || || || 11–7 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 19 || April 27 || || Phillies || 3–2 (10) || || || || || || 12–7 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 20 || April 29 || || Expos || 6–4 || || || || || || 13–7 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 21 || April 30 || || Expos || 3–0 || || || || || || 14–7 || |= y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; May: 13–14 (Home: 7–5; Away: 6–9) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 22 || May 1 || || Expos || 3–7 (14) || || || || || || 14–8 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 23 || May 2 || || @ Phillies || 1–7 || || || || || || 14–9 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 24 || May 3 || || @ Phillies || 4–0 || || || || || || 15–9 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 25 || May 4 || || @ Mets || 0–8 || || || || || || 15–10 || |- style="background:#bbb;" |—|| May 5 || || @ Mets || colspan=8 | Postponed (rain); Makeup: July 1 |- style="background:#fbb;" | 26 || May 6 || || @ Expos || 5–6 (11) || || || || || || 15–11 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 27 || May 7 || || @ Expos || 3–4 || || || || || || 15–12 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 || May 8 || || @ Expos || 7–2 || || || || || || 16–12 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 29 || May 9 || || Mets || 6–2 || || || || || || 17–12 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 30 || May 10 || || Mets || 2–5 || || || || || || 17–13 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 31 || May 11 || || Mets || 8–9 (10) || || || || || || 17–14 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 || May 13 || || Cubs || 8–2 || || || || || || 18–14 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 || May 14 || || Cubs || 3–1 || || || || || || 19–14 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 34 || May 15 || || Cubs || 1–2 || || || || || || 19–15 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |35 || May 16 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 9–2 || || || || || || 20–15 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |W1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |36 || May 17 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 3–2 || || || || || || 21–15 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |W2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |37 || May 18 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 4–2 || || || || || || 22–15 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |W3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 || May 20 || || @ Cardinals || 5–3 || || || || || || 23–15 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 39 || May 21 || || @ Cardinals || 4–7 (11) || || || || || || 23–16 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 40 || May 22 || || @ Cardinals || 2–1 || || || || || || 24–16 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |41 || May 23 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 3–0 || || || || || || 25–16 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |W2 |- style="background:#fbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |42 || May 24 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 4–5 || || || || || || 25–17 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |L1 |- style="background:#fbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |43 || May 25 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 3–4 || || || || || || 25–18 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |L2 |- style="background:#fbb;" | 44 || May 27 || || @ Cubs || 2–3 || || || || || || 25–19 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 45 || May 28 || || @ Cubs || 7–14 || || || || || || 25–20 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 46 || May 29 || || @ Cubs || 7–1 || || || || || || 26–20 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 || May 30 || || Cardinals || 5–4 || || || || || || 27–20 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 48 || May 31 || || Cardinals || 7–9 || || || || || || 27–21 || |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; June: 13–16 (Home: 7–7; Away: 6–9) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 49 || June 1 || || Cardinals || 2–3 (13) || || || || || || 27–22 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 50 || June 3 || || @ Giants || 8–4 || || || || || || 28–22 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 51 || June 4 || || @ Giants || 2–8 || || || || || || 28–23 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 52 || June 5 || || @ Giants || 3–9 || || || || || || 28–24 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 || June 6 || || @ Dodgers || 10–4 || || || || || || 29–24 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 || June 7 || || @ Dodgers || 5–2 || || || || || || 30–24 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 55 || June 8 || || @ Dodgers || 1–11 || || || || || || 30–25 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 56 || June 9 || || @ Dodgers || 2–4 || || || || || || 30–26 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 57 || June 10 || || Braves || 3–10 (13) || || || || || || 30–27 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 || June 11 || || Braves || 5–4 (11) || || || || || || 31–27 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 || June 12 || || Braves || 5–0 || || || || || || 32–27 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 || June 13 || || Braves || 6–5 || || || || || || 33–27 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 61 || June 14 || || @ Reds || 1–7 || || || || || || 33–28 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 62 || June 15 || || @ Reds || 3–5 || || || || || || 33–29 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 || June 16 || || @ Reds || 7–4 || || || || || || 34–29 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 64 || June 17 || || @ Braves || 3–4 || || || || || || 34–30 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 65 || June 17 || || @ Braves || 5–6 || || || || || || 34–31 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 || June 18 || || @ Braves || 14–7 || || || || || || 35–31 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 || June 19 || || @ Braves || 6–4 || || || || || || 36–31 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 68 || June 20 || || Reds || 1–2 || || || || || || 36–32 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 || June 21 || || Reds || 3–1 || || || || || || 37–32 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 70 || June 22 || || Reds || 5–1 || || || || || || 38–32 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 71 || June 24 || || Giants || 0–11 || || || || || || 38–33 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 72 || June 25 || || Giants || 1–4 || || || || || || 38–34 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 73 || June 26 || || Giants || 6–0 || || || || || || 39–34 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 74 || June 27 || || Dodgers || 0–4 || || || || || || 39–35 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 || June 28 || || Dodgers || 4–3 || || || || || || 40–35 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 76 || June 29 || || Dodgers || 0–2 || || || || || || 40–36 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 77 || June 30 || || @ Mets || 6–12 || || || || || || 40–37 || |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; July: 16–12 (Home: 6–5; Away: 10–7) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 78 || July 1 || || @ Mets || 2–3 || || || || || || 40–38 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 || July 1 || || @ Mets || 6–5 (13) || || || || || || 41–38 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 80 || July 2 || || @ Mets || 2–7 || || || || || || 41–39 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 81 || July 3 || || @ Mets || 0–5 || || || || || || 41–40 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 82 || July 4 || || Expos || 4–7 || || || || || || 41–41 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 83 || July 5 || || Expos || 3–4 (11) || || || || || || 41–42 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 84 || July 6 || || Expos || 2–4 || || || || || || 41–43 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 85 || July 8 || || Mets || 4–2 || || || || || || 42–43 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 86 || July 9 || || Mets || 6–3 || || || || || || 43–43 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 87 || July 10 || || Mets || 6–5 || || || || || || 44–43 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 88 || July 14 || || @ Phillies || 7–5 || || || || || || 45–43 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 89 || July 15 || || @ Phillies || 5–2 || || || || || || 46–43 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 90 || July 16 || || @ Phillies || 6–10 || || || || || || 46–44 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 91 || July 17 || || @ Phillies || 4–10 || || || || || || 46–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 92 || July 18 || || @ Expos || 6–1 || || || || || || 47–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 93 || July 19 || || @ Expos || 4–3 || || || || || || 48–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 94 || July 20 || || @ Expos || 3–2 || || || || || || 49–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 95 || July 21 || || Phillies || 2–0 || || || || || || 50–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 96 || July 22 || || Phillies || 5–3 || || || || || || 51–45 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 97 || July 23 || || Phillies || 7–6 || || || || || || 52–45 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 98 || July 24 || || Phillies || 4–6 || || || || || || 52–46 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 99 || July 26 || || @ Padres || 1–5 || || || || || || 52–47 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 100 || July 27 || || @ Padres || 4–1 || || || || || || 53–47 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 101 || July 28 || || @ Padres || 3–2 || || || || || || 54–47 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 102 || July 29 || || @ Dodgers || 3–1 || || || || || || 55–47 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 103 || July 30 || || @ Dodgers || 14–6 || || || || || || 56–47 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 104 || July 31 || || @ Dodgers || 1–6 || || || || || || 56–48 || |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; August: 15–14 (Home: 9–8; Away: 6–6) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 105 || August 1 || || @ Giants || 1–4 || || || || || || 56–49 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 106 || August 2 || || @ Giants || 13–10 || || || || || || 57–49 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 107 || August 3 || || @ Giants || 3–2 || || || || || || 58–49 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 108 || August 5 || || Dodgers || 6–4 || || || || || || 59–49 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 109 || August 6 || || Dodgers || 3–5 || || || || || || 59–50 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 110 || August 7 || || Dodgers || 4–2 || || || || || || 60–50 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 111 || August 8 || || Dodgers || 10–0 || || || || || || 61–50 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 112 || August 9 || || Giants || 3–2 || || || || || || 62–50 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 113 || August 10 || || Giants || 0–5 || || || || || || 62–51 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 114 || August 11 || || Giants || 0–6 || || || || || || 62–52 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 115 || August 12 || || Padres || 3–4 || || || || || || 62–53 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 116 || August 13 || || Padres || 1–0 || || || || || || 63–53 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 117 || August 14 || || Padres || 1–6 || || || || || || 63–54 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 118 || August 15 || || Padres || 7–3 || || || || || || 64–54 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 119 || August 16 || || @ Cardinals || 0–3 || || || || || || 64–55 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 120 || August 17 || || @ Cardinals || 1–0 || || || || || || 65–55 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 121 || August 18 || || @ Cardinals || 1–2 || || || || || || 65–56 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |122 || August 19 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 5–1 || || || || || || 66–56 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |W1 |- style="background:#fbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |123 || August 20 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 1–2 || || || || || || 66–57 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |L1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |124 || August 21 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |@ Pirates || 2–1 (11) || || || || || || 67–57 || style="Houston Astros 1983 2;" |W1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 125 || August 22 || || @ Cubs || 9–7 (10) || || || || || || 68–57 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 126 || August 23 || || @ Cubs || 3–9 || || || || || || 68–58 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 127 || August 24 || || @ Cubs || 2–3 || || || || || || 68–59 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |128 || August 26 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 2–0 || || || || || || 69–59 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |W1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |129 || August 27 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 3–1 || || || || || || 70–59 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |W2 |- style="background:#fbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |130 || August 28 || || style="Pittsburgh Pirates 1988 2;" |Pirates || 3–4 || || || || || || 70–60 || style="Houston Astros 1988 2;" |L1 |- style="background:#fbb;" | 131 || August 29 || || Cubs || 1–2 (11) || || || || || || 70–61 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 132 || August 30 || || Cubs || 7–4 || || || || || || 71–61 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 133 || August 31 || || Cubs || 1–3 || || || || || || 71–62 || |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; September: 11–16 (Home: 5–8; Away: 6–8) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 134 || September 2 || || Cardinals || 0–2 || || || || || || 71–63 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 135 || September 3 || || Cardinals || 10–1 || || || || || || 72–63 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 136 || September 4 || || Cardinals || 4–3 || || || || || || 73–63 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 137 || September 5 || || Reds || 3–0 || || || || || || 74–63 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 138 || September 6 || || Reds || 3–10 || || || || || || 74–64 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 139 || September 7 || || @ Dodgers || 1–4 || || || || || || 74–65 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 140 || September 8 || || @ Dodgers || 2–1 || || || || || || 75–65 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 141 || September 9 || || @ Giants || 4–3 (12) || || || || || || 76–65 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 142 || September 10 || || @ Giants || 2–3 || || || || || || 76–66 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 143 || September 11 || || @ Giants || 4–1 || || || || || || 77–66 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 144 || September 13 || || @ Reds || 2–5 || || || || || || 77–67 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 145 || September 14 || || @ Reds || 7–1 || || || || || || 78–67 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 146 || September 15 || || @ Reds || 5–7 || || || || || || 78–68 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 147 || September 16 || || Giants || 4–5 || || || || || || 78–69 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 148 || September 17 || || Giants || 2–4 || || || || || || 78–70 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 149 || September 18 || || Giants || 3–10 || || || || || || 78–71 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 150 || September 19 || || Dodgers || 0–1 || || || || || || 78–72 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 151 || September 20 || || Dodgers || 0–6 || || || || || || 78–73 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 152 || September 21 || || Braves || 1–0 || || || || || || 79–73 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 153 || September 22 || || Braves || 3–2 || || || || || || 80–73 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 154 || September 23 || || @ Padres || 3–4 (12) || || || || || || 80–74 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 155 || September 24 || || @ Padres || 0–3 || || || || || || 80–75 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 156 || September 25 || || @ Padres || 1–9 || || || || || || 80–76 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 157 || September 27 || || @ Braves || 3–2 (10) || || || || || || 81–76 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 158 || September 28 || || @ Braves || 3–4 (17) || || || || || || 81–77 || |- style="background:#cfc;" | 159 || September 29 || || @ Braves || 5–4 || || || || || || 82–77 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 160 || September 30 || || Padres || 1–5 || || || || || || 82–78 || |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; October: 0–2 (Home: 0–2; Away: 0–0) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |- style="background:#fbb;" | 161 || October 1 || || Padres || 3–6 || || || || || || 82–79 || |- style="background:#fbb;" | 162 || October 2 || || Padres || 1–5 || || || || || || 82–80 || |- Detailed records National League Opponent W L WP RS Runs scored RA Runs against NL EastChicago Cubs 5 7 5 7 y 51 51Montreal Expos 6 6 6 6 y 49 44New York Mets 5 7 5 7 y 48 66Philadelphia Phillies 8 4 8 4 y 51 52Pittsburgh Pirates 8 4 8 4 y 42 24St. Louis Cardinals 6 6 6 6 y 41 38 Div Total 38 34 38 34 y 282 275 NL WestAtlanta Braves 13 5 13 5 y 87 60Cincinnati Reds 9 9 9 9 y 82 72Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers 9 9 9 9 y 66 66San Diego Padres 6 12 6 12 y 41 67San Francisco Giants 7 11 7 11 y 59 91 Div Total 44 46 44 46 y 335 356 Season Total 82 80 82 80 y 617 631 Month Games Won Lost Win % RS Runs scored RA Runs against April May June July August September October Total Games Won Lost Win % RS Runs scored RA Runs against Home Away Total Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI C Alan Ashby 73 227 54 .238 7 33 1B Glenn Davis Glenn Davis (baseball) 152 561 152 .271 30 99 2B Bill Doran Bill Doran (second baseman) 132 480 119 .248 7 53 3B Buddy Bell 74 269 68 .253 7 37 SS Rafael Ramírez Rafael Ramírez (baseball) 155 566 156 .276 6 59 LF Billy Hatcher 145 530 142 .268 7 52 CF Gerald Young baseball 149 576 148 .257 0 37 RF Kevin Bass 157 541 138 .255 14 72 Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI Terry Puhl 113 234 71 .303 3 19 Alex Treviño 78 193 48 .249 2 13 Denny Walling 65 176 43 .244 1 20 Craig Reynolds 78 161 41 .255 1 14 Jim Pankovits 68 140 31 .221 2 12 Craig Biggio 50 123 26 .211 3 5 Chuck Jackson 46 83 19 .229 1 8 Ken Caminiti 30 83 15 .181 1 7 Steve Henderson 42 46 10 .217 0 5 Louie Meadows 35 42 8 .190 2 3 Casey Candaele 21 31 5 .161 0 1 John Fishel 19 26 6 .231 1 2 Mark Bailey Mark Bailey (baseball) 8 23 3 .130 0 0 Cameron Drew 7 16 3 .188 0 1 Harry Spilman 7 5 0 .000 0 0 Craig Smajstrla 8 3 0 .000 0 0 Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Nolan Ryan 33 220.0 12 11 3.52 228 Mike Scott 32 218.2 14 8 2.92 190 Jim Deshaies 31 207.0 11 14 3.00 127 Bob Knepper 27 175.0 14 5 3.14 103 Bob Forsch 6 27.2 1 4 6.51 14 Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Danny Darwin 44 192.0 8 13 3.84 129 Joaquín Andújar 23 78.2 2 5 4.00 35 Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G W L SV ERA SO Dave Smith 51 4 5 27 2.67 38 Juan Agosto 75 10 2 4 2.26 33 Larry Andersen 53 2 4 5 2.94 66 Dave Meads 22 3 1 0 3.18 27 Jeff Heathcock 17 0 5 0 5.81 12 Ernie Camacho 13 0 3 1 7.64 13 Rocky Childress 11 1 0 0 6.17 24 Brian Meyer 8 0 0 0 1.46 10 Awards and achievements Grand slams No. Number hit by this team Date Astros batter Venue Inning Pitcher Opposing team Box Box score 1 April 10 Kevin BassPinch hitter Riverfront Stadium 9 Pat Perry Cincinnati Reds 2 May 29 Rafael Ramírez baseball1stgs 1st MLB grand slam Wrigley Field 6tiedlead Tied score or took lead Mike Capel Chicago Cubs 3 July 14 Buddy Bell Veterans Stadium 1 Shane Rawley Philadelphia Phillies 4 August 2 Bill Doran second baseman1stgs Candlestick Park 4tiedlead Randy Bockus San Francisco Giants Pitching achievements No-hit bids Date Starting pitcher (IP Innings pitched) Relief pitcher(s) (IP) Relief pitchers who continued no-hit effort No-hit IP Total no-hit innings GS Game score Catcher Batter Batter who ended no-hit bid Final Final score Opponent Box Box score April 27, 1988 Nolan Ryan (9) — 8 1 3 84 Alan Ashby Mike Schmidt 3–2 Philadelphia Phillies June 12, 1988 Mike Scott (9) — 8 2 3 93 Ken Oberkfell 5–0 Atlanta Braves Note: Includes those games started with 7 or more no-hit innings. Awards 1988 Houston Astros award winners Name of award Recipient Ref. References Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball Jim "Doc" Ewell 1 McTaggart Brian http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou Bourn highlights Astros' awards season December 21, 2009 MLB.com October 23, 2025 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101208131739/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou December 8, 2010 Houston-Area Major League Player of the Year CLE Greg Swindell Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP) Glenn Davis baseball Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Buddy Bell https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_lg.shtml Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Baseball Almanac April 17, 2023 MLB All-Star Game Reserve pitcher Bob Knepper National League (NL) Player of the Week May 22 Billy Hatcher https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-players-of-the-week.shtml MLB Players of the Week Awards Baseball-Reference.com August 9, 2025 August 14 Mike Scott baseball Other awards results Name of award Voting recipient(s) (Team) Ref. References NL Most Valuable Player 1st—Gibson (LAD) • 8th—G. Davis (HOU) https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1988.shtml 1988 awards voting Baseball-Reference.com June 14, 2026 League leaders Batting leaders Caught stealing: Gerald Young (27—led MLB) Pitching leaders Strikeouts (SO or K): Nolan Ryan (228) Strikeouts per nine innings pitched (K/9): Nolan Ryan (9.3) Milestones Major League debuts Player—Appeared at position Craig Biggio, catcher Date and opponent June 26 vs SFG Box Box score Also: https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1988-debuts.shtml 1988 Major League Baseball new debuts Baseball-Reference.com May 14, 2025 Minor league system Minor League Baseball AAA Tucson Toros Pacific Coast League Bob Didier AA Columbus Astros Southern League Tom Wiedenbauer A Osceola Astros Florida State League Keith Bodie A Asheville Tourists South Atlantic League Gary Tuck and Jim Coveney A-Short Season Auburn Astros New York–Penn League Frank Cacciatore Rookie GCL Astros Gulf Coast League Julio Linares See also Texas Baseball List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders List of Major League Baseball individual streaks List of Major League Baseball wins records Notes "Note" References External links 1988 Houston Astros season at Baseball Reference Category:Houston Astros seasons Houston Astros season Houston Astros Category:1988 in Houston