Here’s how Houston Astros stack up after Rangers aggressive trades

COUNTER ATTACK

The MLB trade deadline is almost upon us, and we've already seen a flurry of moves with the Texas Rangers going all in to make a run this season. The Rangers now have a rotation with Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery, while the Astros have only made one trade, adding relief pitcher Kendall Graveman.

The Astros are rumored to have interest in acquiring Justin Verlander from the Mets, but Houston GM Dana Brown recently stated that adding another starting pitcher is not a priority.

Is Dana Brown just keeping his cards close to the vest? Is he trying to temper Verlander expectations, especially if owner Jim Crane is out on a JV reunion, simply because of his high price contract?

And if the Astros hold tight, do they have enough firepower to win the division over the Rangers?

Be sure to check out the video above as we shine light on these pressing questions.

If you enjoy the videos, subscribe on YouTube for our latest content.

And listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.

Most Popular

The Angels beat the Astros, 3-0. Composite Getty Image.

José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.

There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.

Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.

Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.

He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.

Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.

Key moment

The home run by Peraza.

Key stat

It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.

Up next

LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM