4 intriguing answers for upgrading the Astros bullpen

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As the MLB trade deadline draws closer, ESPN Houston's Charlie Pallilo discusses some possible solutions and challenges for the Astros bullpen. Plus, Charlie lays out why the All-Star break will be a pivotal time for the Astros and their GM, James Click.

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The Astros lead the AL West by four games. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros (81-69, first in the AL West) will face the San Diego Padres (86-65, second in the NL West) on Tuesday night in San Diego. After the Padres took the series opener, both teams will look to continue their push toward the postseason.

Pitching Matchup:

  • Astros: Hunter Brown (11-8, 3.59 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 168 strikeouts)
  • Padres: Michael King (12-9, 3.06 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 191 strikeouts)

Brown will aim to keep the Astros in control of the AL West, while King seeks to build on his strong season as the Padres fight for a playoff spot.

Team Outlook: San Diego holds a 41-35 record at home and has thrived when hitting for power, going 38-13 when hitting two or more home runs. They’ll rely on key players like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been on a hot streak with four homers in his last 10 games.

Houston, meanwhile, remains dangerous on the road with a 39-37 record. They have been efficient offensively, going 62-9 in games where they score five or more runs. Jose Altuve continues to be a key contributor with 29 doubles and a .302 batting average, while Yainer Diaz has been swinging a hot bat recently.

Recent Form:

  • Padres: 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .279 with a 2.70 team ERA and a run differential of +16.
  • Astros: 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .291 with a 3.91 ERA, outscoring opponents by 13 runs.

With both teams in good form, Tuesday's game promises to be another competitive matchup.

Betting Line: Padres -115, Astros -104, over/under 7.5 runs.

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*ChatGPT aided with this article.

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