Who's really calling the shots? Composite Getty Image.
Who is actually determining how much Jose Abreu is playing right now? Is it Joe Espada or is someone telling him from the top of the organization to play Abreu and not take him out of clutch moments?
Also, could Espada be sending a message to the front office by giving them a good look at how bad he is, and how much he's hurting the team with regular playing time?
ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham makes that case in the video above, but his radio partner Joel Blank isn't quite buying it.
Don't miss the video above for the full conversation!
It looks like at least another ten days before Kyle Tucker returns. Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images.
After a huge series sweep of the Orioles over the weekend, the Astros hope to keep things rolling against the Rockies on Tuesday and Wednesday.
And while the Astros seem to be firing on all cylinders, they do have some important players they hope can return from injury in the coming days.
Astros manager Joe Espada joined the club's flagship station on Tuesday and provided some health updates. According to Espada, Justin Verlander is not progressing as fast as they had hoped. He is still not throwing.
Astros manager Joe Espada told @SportsMT that Justin Verlander is progressing slower than the team anticipated. He is still not throwing. Asked if this is a shoulder, arm or elbow problem, Espada reiterated is it just soreness in Verlander’s neck.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 25, 2024
Kyle Tucker is at least taking swings off a tee, and could start running soon. It also appears Jake Bloss may have dodged a bullet, and could return after his IL stint.
Kyle Tucker took swings off a tee Sunday and "could start running within the next few days," according to the Astros. The team also said Jake Bloss is scheduled for "light toss" Friday and may return "shortly after his 15-day IL stint concludes." I thought this was against HIPAA
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 25, 2024
Astros GM weighs in on Tucker
Dana Brown joined MLB Network on Tuesday and said Tucker is still “very sore.” As far as a timeline for his return, Brown said the Astros will be “very happy” if he can get back in ten days. Based on Brown's reaction, ten days sounds like a best case scenario. Two weeks could be closer to the real number.
We hope that means Joey Loperfido will get every chance to prove himself in the meantime.
"That's what our main focus is...win the division."
Astros GM Dana Brown discusses the trade deadline, rest of season outlook and more on #MLBNow. pic.twitter.com/GADNT8UNYp
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) June 25, 2024
The Astros will look to keep their winning streak going against the Rockies on Tuesday night. Here's a sneak peek at their lineup with Hunter Brown making the start.
Altuve 2B
Bregman 3B
Alvarez DH
Diaz C
Pena SS
Meyers CF
Dubon 1B
McCormick RF
Loperfido LF
