How gritty Astros need front office help, health to hold line in division

STONE COLD 'STROS

How gritty Astros need front office help, health to hold line in division
The injuries keep piling up for Houston.Composite Getty Image.

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.

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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The Astros beat the Red Sox, 7-6. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Ramón Urías had three hits with a two-run homer and Chas McCormick hit his first homer this season as the Houston Astros built a big lead and held on for a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

Carlos Correa hit an RBI single to help the Astros to the victory after they were swept in Boston to start the month.

It was his first home game since rejoining the team in a blockbuster trade from the Twins.

Houston starter Cristian Javier (1-0) had a solid outing in his return after sitting out more than 14 months following Tommy John surgery. He allowed two hits and two runs in the first inning before settling down and giving up just one single over the next four innings.

Alex Bregman’s two-run home run in the first inning gave Boston an early lead in his first game in Houston since leaving the Astros this offseason.

The Astros welcomed Bregman back with the video below.

Houston scored three runs in the third to take the lead and got a two-run shot from McCormick in the fourth and a two-run homer from Urías in the fifth to make it 7-2.

But the Red Sox scored four runs with two outs in the seventh inning, highlighted by home runs from Abraham Toro and Roman Anthony, to get within 1. Bregman singled after that, but Jarren Duran grounded out to end the inning.

Connor Wong doubled off Enyel De Los Santos with two outs in the ninth inning and Bennett Sousa took over and struck out Anthony to end it and collect his fourth save.

Boston’s Garrett Crochet (13-5) yielded seven hits and tied a season-high with five runs in a season-low four innings to snap a nine-game winning streak and give him his first loss since May 26.

Urías, who was acquired from Baltimore at the deadline, finished a triple shy of the cycle to tie a season high in hits.

Key moment

Sousa’s strikeout of Anthony in the ninth.

Key stat

McCormick’s home run was his first since Aug. 28. He caught up with Julia Morlaes after the game and talked about the big homer.

Up next

Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-2, 7.43 ERA) opposes RHP Dustin May (6-8, 4.93) when the series continues Tuesday night.

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