The Astros didn’t get the sweep, but they did get something they desperately needed, a series win and a few signs that this offense might be coming to life at just the right time.

Carlos Correa continues to make a strong case that Houston was the right move. He’s slashing .346/.393/.538 with a .931 OPS through his first six games back in an Astros uniform. He's already hit the same number of homers (2) he hit over June and July combined. Correa looks comfortable again, and the lineup around him is starting to benefit.

Jesús Sánchez has been a revelation as well. His top-end bat speed has always been intriguing, and now it seems the Astros are beginning to unlock it. Astros GM Dana Brown loves the upside, and with two more years of control after this one, Houston is optimistic about what Sánchez can become. He's made a strong early impression.

Even though Spencer Arrighetti’s line in the finale (3.2 IP, 11 H, 5 ER, 5 K) wasn't pretty, there were encouraging signs in his return from the IL. He got plenty of swings and misses, and some of the damage came on infield hits. The hope is that with a little more sharpness and a little less bad luck, Arrighetti can turn outings like this into something far more productive.

Any word on Yordan?

All of this comes as the Astros wait on Yordan Alvarez. The lineup already looks much deeper with Correa, Sánchez, Yainer Díaz and Christian Walker trending up. Yordan and Jake Meyers could push this group into another gear. But for now, Yordan still hasn’t faced live pitching, so the wait continues.

The Astros chose not to address pitching at the deadline, putting their bet on internal reinforcements. That approach is about to be tested. Cristian Javier is nearing his return and could be back after one more rehab start, or even sooner. Lance McCullers is expected to throw a bullpen and make a rehab start before returning. Luis Garcia and J.P. France aren’t far off, either. But all will come back on pitch limits, so the bullpen will be stretched.

Vintage Javier

One thing working in Javier’s favor is his velocity. It’s back to the level he had during his most successful stretches. However, command remains a major concern. He’s issued 10 walks over just 9.2 innings in his three starts for Sugar Land.

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This weekend’s showdown in the Bronx carries major weight for the Astros, with the Mariners closing in fast and a red-hot Red Sox team waiting for them back home on Monday.

The rotation thins out quickly after Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, who are lined up to pitch Friday and Saturday. The Astros can’t afford to waste starts from their top two right now. Not while waiting on everyone else to get right. The offense will need to do its part, and there’s reason to believe it can. Over the last 30 days, Yainer Díaz (.304/.317/.519, 4 HR) and Christian Walker (.253/.326/.458, 4 HR) are both hitting at, or above their career norms.

The Yankees, meanwhile, are reeling. Their playoff position is slipping. Their confidence is shaken. And now here comes Houston. Winners of the three biggest October series between these two teams over the last decade.

Altuve and Correa. Brown and Valdez. The Bronx in August. The stage is set.

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 on Thursday!

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