DON'T LOOK NOW!
How Houston Astros corners of the future could already be here
Jun 25, 2024, 7:53 pm
Can the Astros afford to lose Alex Bregman? Composite Getty Image.
We can't help but notice that the turnaround we're witnessing with the Astros is coinciding with Alex Bregman heating up at the plate.
Astros GM Dana Brown has said many times that the key to the team getting hot, centers around the play of Bregman.
And if that is indeed the case, can the club really afford to lose him in free agency after the season? As good as Mauricio Dubon has been, he would have some big shoes to fill.
Who's on first?
Plus, what's the short and long-term plan at first base? When Kyle Tucker returns, the outfield will get pretty crowded. It would be nice if Joey Loperfido could earn some starts at first base.
In the meantime, Dubon is doing a fine job at first. He and Loperfido should be in the starting lineup on most days until Tucker returns.
Speaking of King Tuck
If he does leave in free agency after next season, could the team already have some qualities options available to take his spot?
Finally, when looking ahead to next season and beyond, could a move to first base be in the cards for Yainer Diaz?
Don't miss the video above for the full in-depth conversation of these topics and more!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.