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Deciphering latest debate around Astros bullpen conundrum, remaining options
Aug 25, 2023, 2:03 pm
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Deciphering latest debate around Astros bullpen conundrum, remaining options
A debate was sparked this week when Dusty Baker opted to use Kendall Graveman to relieve Justin Verlander in the seventh inning against the Red Sox when the score was 3-0.
Ryne Stanek and Rafael Montero were used in the 8th and 9th innings, and by then the score had jumped to 7-0 in the 8th, and 7-1 in the 9th.
ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham believes Dusty Baker trusts Rafael Montero over Kendall Graveman based on Montero getting the 9th inning to close out the game.
We're of the opinion that Dusty used Graveman in the 7th because the score was much closer, and the top of the Red Sox lineup was coming up that inning. We also suspect that the Astros had to trade for Graveman due to Montero having such a disastrous season. And Baker must have approved the trade, having managed Graveman in 2021.
Knowing exactly how Dusty Baker views his bullpen is a tricky proposition. Which made us wonder, what is the pecking order for Dusty?
When Phil Maton returns, we think this is what the order will be: Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu, Hector Neris, Graveman, Maton, Montero, and Stanek.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full conversation.
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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.