ON THE HORIZON

MLB insider reveals how the Houston Astros rotation could evolve

Astros Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown
Do the Astros already have their future ace? Composite Getty Image.

MLB Insider Jeremy Booth, who covers the Astros closely, joins the show to break down one big question — Is Hunter Brown the Astros’ next ace?

Brown is making serious noise in 2025. His stats are up, velocity is up, and his command looks sharper than ever. He’s showing all the signs of becoming a true frontline starter. But should the Astros pay him like one?

We’re talking about Brown’s growth since last season, whether he belongs in the #1 or #2 spot in the rotation, and how his performance stacks up against other well-paid, well-deserved pitchers across the league.

Is it time Houston locks in their future ace?

Be sure to watch the video below for the full discussion.

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The Angels beat the Astros, 4-1. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

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.

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