Why Astros should approach potential Houston homecomings with an abundance of caution
NOT SO FAST
18 January 2024
The Houston Astros received some disappointing news this week when it was revealed that Kendall Graveman would be out for the season with shoulder surgery.
Which means Houston is losing four members of their top-notch bullpen from 2023. The Astros pen is a big reason for their success the last couple of years, and now they only have two relievers that can be trusted in Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu.
Plus, they haven't signed anyone of note to replace them. This week, reports surfaced about the Astros having interest in bringing back Hector Neris. Neris is reportedly seeking a 3-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million.
That's close to the disaster of a contract they handed Jose Abreu last year, and both players are in their mid-thirties. As good as Neris was last season, it's hard to imagine the Astros signing Neris to a massive deal like this. It's just not what they typically do. Or should do for that matter.
But they need to do something. Outside of Pressly and Abreu, nobody in their current bullpen has any substantial record of success in the big leagues. And that includes Rafael Montero. He had one good year and has been completely ineffective in high leverage situations before and after 2022. With an ERA over 5 in 2023, we're not counting on that guy, and for good reason.
Could Phil Maton be an option to bring back? The Athletic's Chandler Rome reported that Maton has received less interest on the market than some anticipated. He could be an option, and would be significantly more affordable than Neris.
So what are the Astros going to do?
Check the video above as we break it all down.
Altuve’s milestone homer sparks Astros past Yankees
Aug 10, 2025, 4:24 pm
Jason Alexander pitched one-hit ball through six innings, Jose Altuve hit his 250th career homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 7-1 Sunday after New York manager Aaron Boone was ejected in the third inning.
Y'all hear that? #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/IsOBv2Yh9U
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Alexander (3-1) allowed his first hit in the sixth inning, a one-out single to Ben Rice. Alexander did not allow a run for the second straight start. He walked three, struck out three in a game in which he relied mostly on changeups and sinkers over 87 pitches.
Alexander caught up with Julia Morales after the game.
Jason Alexander pitched the his best game yet with the @astros as the Summer Of George continues. After the win he spoke with @JuliaMorales pic.twitter.com/Uv05d0sXPu
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) August 10, 2025
Altuve, as designated hitter, homered to left in the first and became the 11th player whose primary position is second base to reach 250 homers.
Altuve had two hits and scored three runs, including on a double by Christian Walker in the third and on a single by Ramón Urías that fell in between shortstop Anthony Volpe and left fielder Cody Bellinger in the ninth.
Rookie Cam Smith had a two-out bases-loaded single that scored two runs in the fifth to help the Astros win for the fourth time in six games.
CAM THE MAN COMES THROUGH pic.twitter.com/qmsdVqTvf5
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Carlos Correa hit his second homer since being acquired from Minnesota, and Mauricio Dubón knocked in a run in the three-run ninth.
Silence in the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/D1f0nMnHEZ
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Fried (12-5) allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings and lost for the third time in four starts.
The Yankees managed three hits and lost for the seventh time in nine games and were booed after the final out.
Boone was ejected for the fifth time this season after arguing a called strike on Ryan McMahon.
Key moment
Bennett Sousa loaded the bases with one out in the seventh and Bryan Abreu allowed a sacrifice fly to McMahon. On the next pitch, Abreu retired Austin Wells. Abreu retired Wells, Judge and Cody Bellinger in the eighth.
Key stats
Correa has five straight multi-hit games and six since rejoining Houston.
Up next
Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44 ERA) faces Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) on Monday in New York.The Yankees managed three hits and lost for the seventh time in nine games and were booed after the final out.
Boone was ejected for the fifth time this season after arguing a called strike on Ryan McMahon.
Key moment
Bennett Sousa loaded the bases with one out in the seventh and Bryan Abreu allowed a sacrifice fly to McMahon. On the next pitch, Abreu retired Austin Wells. Abreu retired Wells, Judge and Cody Bellinger in the eighth.
Key stats
Correa has five straight multi-hit games and six since rejoining Houston.
Up next
Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44 ERA) faces Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) on Monday in New York.
Astros RHP Cristian Javier will make his first start of 2025 after requiring Tommy John surgery last season. He'll face the visiting Red Sox and LHP Garrett Crochet (13-4, 2.24) on Monday.
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