Whitmire criticizes Astros for continuing play

Houston Mayor John Whitmire on Wednesday criticized the Astros' decision to play at Minute Maid Park while millions remained without power.

Catch up quick: The Astros returned to Houston to face the Miami Marlins on Tuesday following a 10-game road trip.

• The team reduced some ticket prices to $5 to allow more fans the chance to watch the game from inside the park, where power remained on.

Ahead of the game, some people criticized the team for playing.

What they're saying: Whitmire joined the fray Wednesday.

• "George Brown [Convention Center didn't] have energy yesterday," Whitmire said during Wednesday's City Council meeting. "We have 1,500 students in the Marriott and the Hilton, but we've got a ballgame going on down the street two blocks [away]. We've got to get our priorities right."

The other side: Axios asked who decided to continue with the games, whether the stadium might be opened as a cooling center, and if the franchise had a response to the mayor's comments.

• An Astros spokesperson declined to comment.

What's next: The Astros host the Marlins again Wednesday and Thursday night before starting a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, also at Minute Maid, ahead of the All-Star break.