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HOUSTON -- Having dropped consecutive series for the first time since early June, the Houston Astros will open a critical seven-game homestand starting Monday night against the Toronto Blue Jays with an injury-ravaged roster contributing to their slump.After losing two of three at home to the New York Yankees, the Astros (55-49) were swept in Detroit, bookending a demoralizing 3-2 loss on Saturday night with two blowout losses.Houston also lost third baseman Luis Valbuena and center fielder Carlos Gomez to right hamstring strains on consecutive days and will learn of the status of utility infielder Marwin Gonzalez on Monday. Gonzalez has been sidelined by hand soreness.The Astros have lost five of six games and, after clawing to within 2 1/2 games of the Texas Rangers last week, dropped six games behind in their pursuit of the American League West pennant.The opener against Toronto could be influenced by more roster flux. Right-hander Doug Fister is slated to start but might land on the paternity list in anticipation of the birth of his first child. That situation facilitated the arrival on Sunday of right-hander Joe Musgrove (7-4, 2.74 ERA in the minors this year), who could make his major league debut.Were still in a holding pattern, Astros manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com. This may be a photo finish for the game tomorrow. Until my phone lights up with a text or a call from (Fister), its sort of status quo.Right-hander Marcus Stroman (8-4, 4.92) will get the start for the Blue Jays. Stroman was at his best in July, finishing 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in five starts, notching 30 strikeouts against four walks in 34 innings.Stroman is 0-1 with a 15.00 ERA in his career against the Astros, having surrendered five runs, seven hits and one walk with one strikeout in three innings in his lone start against them.Having assumed the role of staff ace after the offseason departure of left-hander David Price, Stroman has endured an inconsistent year, one that took a positive turn in July when he posted his best numbers to date.The Blue Jays (59-46) briefly surged into first place in the AL East before dropping their series finale against the Baltimore Orioles 6-2 in 12 innings on Sunday. The loss was their first against the Orioles after a five-game series winning streak and capped a month in which Toronto finished 16-8, its best record in any month this season.Locked in a battle with the Orioles and Red Sox for the AL East title while also fending off a host of contenders, including the Astros, in the wild-card chase, the Blue Jays have been subject to countless rumors as the trading deadline nears. And while the recent additions of right-hander Joaquin Benoit and outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. are likely to provide a lift, they dont preclude Toronto from doing more.To be honest with you, I dont think about it too much, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told MLB.com of the rampant trade rumors. Weve already made a couple of deals, so you never know. Everybodys rumored to be going here or going there, but you dont hear about anybody out in that room. Salomon Sale Canada . -- Lou Brocks shoulder-to-shoulder collision with Bill Freehan during the 1968 World Series and Pete Roses bruising hit on Ray Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game could become relics of baseball history, like the dead-ball era. Salomon Shoes Outlet Canada . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career. http://www.salomonsalecanada.com/ . After Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front from close range at Stamford Bridge after only four minutes, Hazard hit back in the 17th with a superb strike. Etoo gave Jose Mourinhos team a decisive lead from Oscars back pass in the 34th. Salomon Shoes Canada Sale . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No. Salomon Shoes Clearance Canada .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final. Penrith are searching for their third chief executive in a year after Corey Payne left the NRL club role after just four months in charge.The Panthers on Tuesday released a statement saying Payne had resigned and was pursuing an overseas business opportunity.A veteran of 131 games during a 12-year playing career with St George Illawarra, Canterbury and Tigers, Payne became the youngest club CEO in NRL history at age 32 and was expected to be groomed as a successor to general manager Phil Gould when signed.However it was reported earlier this week that Payne was being pushed out by the clubs board after butting heads with several people in the football department - claims denied by the club.Corey, who already has significant overseas academic qualification, wishes to pursue overseas business opportunities that have recently materialised, the club said.IIn these circumstances the club does not wish to stand in the way of Corey pursuing these overseas opportunities and fulfilling his potential.ddddddddddddThe club wishes Corey, a member of the Panthers family, every future success.Payne took up the position in April following the departure of Justin Pascoe to the Wests Tigers CEO role in September.Last month he was involved in a heated exchange with then Rugby League World Cup chief executive Michael Brown that led to Browns departure.He penned a apology letter to the residents of western Sydney because no games for the 2017 edition of the tournament would be staged in the area.Its understood Brown left an expletive-laden voicemail on Paynes phone that led to him quitting. 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