How 2 Houston Astros clutch performers surging late could make all the difference
IT'S HAPPENING!
21 September 2023
With the end of the regular season in sight, the Houston Astros host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night, coming off a huge walk-off 2-1 win against the Orioles.
Two players from the finale against Baltimore really stood out for the 'Stros. Jeremy Pena, who had a clutch double late in the game, and Cristian Javier.
Javier struck out 11 batters over 5 innings surrendering only one run, which was exactly what the Astros needed in possibly the most important game of the regular season.
Both Pena and Javier were critical pieces to the Astros title in 2022, and it looks like they're rounding into form at just the right time.
Javier's struggles have caused many to question who would be the team's third starter in the postseason, behind Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. Let's put this to bed right now, it's Javier.
This should be everything you need to know. Let's start with Hunter Brown. Brown has given up 5 earned runs or more in 4 of his last 7 starts.
How about JP France? France has surrendered 5 or more earned runs in 3 of his last 5 games.
However, Cristian Javier hasn't allowed 5 or more runs in a start since July 3. Javier may only give you 5 innings, but that's actually pretty common for starters in the playoffs. Teams typically remove their starters before the third time through the order.
Prime Time Pena
While the power hasn't been there for Pena this year, he is swinging the bat much better of late. Over his last 30 games, he's hitting .325 while slugging .453. Pena may only have 10 bombs on the year, but he's getting on base and hitting plenty of doubles.
If these two can contribute at a similar level to last postseason, the sky is the limit for the 2023 Astros.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!
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How Astros could still be in on Bregman, definitely out on another
Jan 20, 2025, 6:05 pm
As we begin another week of free agency, Alex Bregman remains unsigned, but one of the Astros reported targets Anthony Santander has a new home.
Santander has reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays. Many were hoping that the Astros would make a play for the switch hitting power hitter, as he would have provided some serious thump.
Now it appears the Astros will enter the 2025 season with one of the weakness outfields in baseball when it comes to offense.
Speaking of Bregman, Astros manager Joe Espada recently told Fox 26's Nate Griffin that the team is still in contact with Breggy despite General Manger Dana Brown telling the media the team decided to pivot after talks stalled with Bregman's camp.
If there still remains a possibility of Bregman returning, one has to wonder if the Astros reported 6-year, $156 million contract offer is still on the table after the club traded for Isaac Paredes to fill the hole at third base. And if they do make a deal with Bregman, what do they do with Paredes?
Also, now that we know how much money Santander commanded on the open market. Which signing would have benefited the Astros the most? Santander at 5-years, $92.5 million, or Bregman at 6-years, $156 million?
Don't miss the video above as we discuss the possibility of Bregman returning, the Dodgers' absurd free agency (that now involves even more deferred money), Billy Wagner, and much more!
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