Latest on where Astros, Bregman are situated during turbulent offseason
STONE COLD 'STROS
23 December 2024
We've entered a new era of Astros baseball. Composite Getty Image.
Astros fans have now had a few days to process what the signing of Christian Walker means for the organization moving forward. Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker will not be returning, and their bats have been replaced by Isaac Paredes and Walker.
Clearly, defense was also a priority for Houston. Jose Altuve's defense has fallen off significantly, and the hope is adding a Gold Glover like Walker will help to hide some of his deficiencies.
Houston may have lost a Gold Glover with Bregman leaving, but at least they gained one at first base. Speaking of Bregman, Astros fans are kind of in a weird spot with him. They're fully aware he's not returning to the club, but don't know which team he's going to play for.
The loss of Bregman probably won't fully sink in until he officially joins another organization. Which makes us curious about Altuve, who pleaded with the front office to bring back Breggy.
We have to wonder what Altuve really thinks about these moves behind closed doors. He can be disappointed about Jim Crane's philosophy on long-term deals, but contracts are a two-way street.
Altuve gave the 'Stros a hometown discount, and that's why he'll be an Astro for the foreseeable future. His former teammates weren't willing to do that, and that's why they're no longer with the club. Plain and simple.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the new-look Astros, their current World Series odds, if the team is done making moves this offseason, and much more!
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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