ASTROS FALL TO INDIANS
Astros daily report presented by APG&E: Indians 6, Astros 3
Apr 26, 2019, 10:37 pm
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Final Score: Indians 6 , Astros 3
Record: 15-11, second in the AL West.
Winning pitcher: Adam Cimber ( 2-1, 3.86 ERA)
Losing pitcher: Hector Rondon ( 2-1, 2.79 ERA)
1.) Offense Unable To Seize The Opportunity
Corey Kluber has had some shaky starts this season, three of the five ending prior to the 7th inning. Tonight's start for Kluber was looking really bad really early. The Astros had the chance to knock out Kluber in the second inning. The Indians bullpen began warming up in the bottom of the 2nd as Kluber started getting himself into trouble. Back to back walks loaded the bases and scored a run. Brantley, who entered the game with a .909 OPS, looked prime to blow this game open. Instead, he grounded to first to end the inning. Kluber's night turned out to not be stelar after all(5 innings, 7 hits, 3 earned runs), but the Astros failed to capitalize on a big moment. In the 7th, Brantley singled off the Crawford Boxes. Correa followed that with a single to right that got Brantley to third. Reddick, with the tying run at third, popped up to center to end the inning, leaving two stranded. The 8th was not much different. Yuli Gurriel singled to right, but nothing came of it, as Writtgren retired White, Chirinos, and Springer to end the inning.
2.) McHugh's Fight With The Long Ball
McHugh was entered the game off his worst start of the season after giving up nine earned runs in Arlington. Though the bases were not nearly as busy tonight, McHugh gave up three home runs in the first five innings, not allowing the Astros to sustain the leads they had established early in the game. McHugh left the game after 5 2/3 innings clearly upset with his performance.
3.) The Bullpen Could Not Keep Them In The Game
Hector Rondon entered the game in the 7th giving up a single to Perez. Naquin followed that with an RBI double to give the Indians the lead. Chris Devenski kept his composure as he struck out Greg Allen to end the 8th leaving two stranded for the Indians and leaving the Astros with a chance to fight back. Josh James got the nod in the 9th and proceeded to give up a two run HR to Francisco Lindor. James would get through the ninth striking out three of the six batters he faced.
Up Next: The series will continue on Saturday afternoon, 3:05 PM start time. Houston will send the one and only Brad Peacock (2-1, 4.29 ERA) to the mound. The Indians will counter with Shane Bieber ( 2-1, 3.47 ERA).
The Astros daily report is presented by APG&E.
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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