FINALLY!

How Astros, MLB may be on verge of solving their umpire problem

The Astros have seen their fair share of bad umpiring over the years, from Angel Hernandez to Joe West, but this week things seemed to escalate to another level when Jerry Layne got in the face of Jeremy Pena.

Pena took exception to a pitch that was clearly out of the zone, which was called a strike, and hitting coach Alex Cintron was ejected for defending Pena. The altercation even made national news, with outlets picking up the story across the country.

This is just the latest example the Astros have experienced. Even going back to the 2022 playoffs, the Astros dealt with a different strike zone when they went on the road to play the Mariners, Yankees, and Phillies.

It's gotten to the point where even the broadcasters calling the game have openly accepted that the home team was going to get calls in their favor from the umpires. The strike zone should not change based on where the game is being played.

So how does this get fixed? MLB is currently testing out two different systems in the minors that could be implemented in the big leagues in the next year or two. One system uses computer technology to call all balls and strikes, while the other operates with a challenge system.

Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss which system will be the best option going forward, how soon it will be implemented, and much more!

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Houston could be down another offensive lineman vs. Steelers. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans are preparing to host TJ Watt and the Steelers at NRG this weekend, and it looks like the offensive line could be down another key piece.

Laremy Tunsil missed the last two games with a knee injury, and he wasn't practicing on Wednesday. Aaron Wilson is reporting that pain and swelling in the knee could lead to missing more time.

Which is bad news for the Texans, as tackle Josh Jones (hand) was not practicing on Wednesday, and he's been filing in during Tunsil's absence.

The Texans recently signed lineman Geron Christian to their practice squad to add more depth. Christian was a third-round pick by Washington in 2018 and last received regular playing time with the Texans in 2021.

If Jones can't go, the Texans will have to shuffle the o-line again and may start George Fant at left tackle, as Wilson suggested above. Austin Deculus could also be an option at left tackle.

This is a bad week to be down another tackle, with TJ Watt looking to make a statement on the same day his brother JJ will be inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor.

On the bright side, it appears Tytus Howard should be ready to play when he returns in Week 5 from the IR, but that won't help the Texans this week.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans could have both their starting safeties ready to play together for the first time this season, with Jalen Pitre back at practice after suffering a bruised lung against the Ravens.

The Texans are currently 3-point underdogs against Pittsburgh, and after last week's performance, this looks like a winnable game. But if the Texans can't protect Stroud or open any holes in the running game, it could be a long day for Houston's offense.

Editor's note: Josh Jones is not expected to play this Sunday:





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