ASTROS INVEST IN PITCHING
Astros strike a deal and solidify their starting rotation moving forward
Mar 24, 2021, 4:10 pm
Lance McCullers will stay in Houston. Composite image by Jack Brame.
With concerns about Framber Valdez's health, let's examine the Astros rotation
Mark Berman is reporting that the Astros and Lance McCullers Jr. have agreed on a contract extension. McCullers said earlier this spring that he would like to stay in Houston, but wasn't sure if he was in the Astros' plans. Well, it looks like he got his answer. The deal is reported to be a 5-year contract worth $85 million.
With Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke decent bets to move on from Houston after the 2021 season, this deal makes a lot of sense for the Astros. Verlander could possibly agree to a prove-it deal with the team after the 2021 season, but my guess would be this move means Greinke won't be an Astro after 2021.
McCullers has been a terrific pitcher at Minute Maid Park posting a career home ERA of 2.51. Every other ballpark his ERA jumps to 4.99. If McCullers can pitch just a little better on the road, you have to like this deal for Houston.
MLB source: Lance McCullers Jr and the #Astros have reached an agreement on a five-year extension. So Lance is tied to the Astros for six years.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 24, 2021
McCullers $85M deal begins in 2022. So through 2026. Limited no-trade clause.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2021
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Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.