Mapping out Astros future using clues from the MLB draft
BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE
11 July 2023
The MLB Draft got started over the weekend, and the Houston Astros drafted a shortstop and a pitcher with their first two selections.
Shortstop Brice Mathews from the University of Nebraska provides power and speed, and Houston could use more infield talent in their system. Also, with Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman set to be free agents after next season, adding to the infield makes a lot of sense. Mathews could move to another infield position if necessary.
With the team's second pick, they drafted 6'8” UCLA pitcher, Alonzo Treadwell. The Astros currently have Luis Garcia, and Lance McCullers working back from arm surgery. So the team addressed two of their biggest needs, infield, and pitching.
Both players were drafted out of college, so hopefully they can make it to the majors sooner rather than later.
Don't miss the video above as we share our thoughts on the Astros selections and when we could see them making an impact on the big league roster.
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José Soriano pitched 6 2/3 strong innings and Logan O'Hoppe hit a pair of two-run shots to end a long home run drought and help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Houston Astros 9-1 on Saturday night.
Soriano (5-5) struck out 10 and allowed one run on three hits and three walks. He has allowed just two runs in his last three starts covering 20 2/3 innings with 28 strikeouts. He hasn't allowed a home run since April 22 — a span of 11 starts.
O’Hoppe hit his 15th homer and first since May 22 in the third inning to give the Angels a 6-0 lead. The catcher capped the scoring with his second of the game in the seventh.
Jo Adell reached with a one-out infield single off Astros rookie Brandon Walter (0-1) in the second and Luis Rengifo followed with his fourth home run for a 2-0 lead.
Nolan Schanuel was hit by a pitch and Mike Trout singled and scored from first on a double by Taylor Ward for a 4-0 lead.
Jose Altuve walked and scored on a two-out single by Christian Walker in the fourth for the Astros, but the Angels answered in their half when Zach Neto doubled with two outs and scored on Schanuel's single for a 7-1 lead.
Walter allowed seven runs on nine hits in six innings in his fourth career start.
Key moment
The Angels never looked back after Rengifo homered in the second.
Key stat
Houston is 3-2 against the Angels this season and leads the overall series 133-85. That includes a 65-45 record at Angel Stadium.
Up next
Astros rookie RHP Ryan Gusto (4-3, 4.31 ERA) will start Sunday's rubber game against Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 4.79).
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