Athletics pitcher Jesse Chavez took a step backward on Monday against the Astros in Houston, dropping to 8-7 on the year. The right-hander coughed up six runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over 5 1/3 innings of a 7-3 defeat.

Chavez has allowed four-plus runs in three of his last six starts. He owns a 3.44 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 119:41 K:BB ratio in 125 2/3 innings. His next start will come Sunday at home against Kansas City.