How Houston Astros look to address major red flags in critical positions

RED ALERT!

How Houston Astros look to address major red flags in critical positions
Big decisions looming for Houston! Composite Getty Image.

This week started on a positive note for Astros fans as they witnessed Lance McCullers take the mound for the first time since 2022. The right-hander needed just 13 pitches to complete his inning of work, showing signs of the form that made him a key piece of Houston’s rotation. If he continues progressing without setbacks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McCullers back with the big-league club by the end of April or early May.

However, the news isn't as encouraging for Luis Garcia, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Originally scheduled to throw live batting practice on Thursday, Garcia is now facing a delay due to elbow soreness. Multiple reports indicate that he will be evaluated by team doctors, adding another layer of uncertainty to his rehab process.

Garcia’s recovery has been anything but smooth. According to Chandler Rome, the expectation was that Garcia would return before McCullers, but complications have forced the Astros to slow his rehab down. If Garcia is shut down for several weeks, even in a best-case scenario, it’s unlikely he will be able to contribute over the next three months. The Astros will need to be cautious with his recovery, as the last thing they want is for him to require another surgery.

Fortunately for Houston, neither McCullers nor Garcia were expected to start the season in the rotation. However, their returns were seen as potential boosts to the pitching staff later in the year. This also serves as a reminder that Tommy John recoveries can take longer than the typical 12 to 18 months. That reality makes it difficult to count on Cristian Javier, who underwent the procedure last June, to make an impact in 2025.

Altuve’s transition to left field raises concerns

Jose Altuve had been making steady progress adjusting to left field in spring training. However, after a couple of dropped fly balls, some fans are questioning whether the experiment should continue. The errors occurred as Altuve tried to rush his throws to prevent runners from tagging up. Without the pressure of making a quick throw, he likely would have secured both catches.

Despite these struggles, Altuve has shown good range, making solid plays on balls hit into the left-center gap. His transition may take time, and the key will be ensuring these mistakes don’t get into his head. Altuve has battled confidence issues before, particularly in 2020 when he struggled with throwing to first base. He overcame those challenges, and if he stays focused, he should be fine in left field.

Cam Smith making strong case for Opening Day roster

Heading into spring training, it seemed unlikely that rookie phenom Cam Smith would break camp with the big-league team. The expectation was that Chas McCormick would get the first shot in right field. However, Smith’s scorching performance this spring may force the Astros’ hand. He’s hitting .419 with a team-leading four home runs, 11 RBIs, and a staggering .871 slugging percentage with a 1.371 OPS.

McCormick, to his credit, has been disciplined at the plate, drawing 11 walks and posting a .415 on-base percentage. However, his power numbers have been underwhelming, with a mere .179 slugging percentage and just one extra-base hit.

Given Smith’s explosive bat, the Astros may have no choice but to give him an opportunity to prove himself at the major-league level. If he struggles, they can always send him down to the minors for further development. But at this point, Smith’s performance is too good to ignore as Opening Day approaches.

We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The countdown to Opening Day is on. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday. Click here to catch!


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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.

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