Astros manager reveals plan of action for 5 critical issues haunting the club
Apr 23, 2024, 3:11 pm
The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs Tuesday night. Composite Getty Image.
Astros manager Joe Espada joined the Astros flagship on Tuesday and discussed several hot-button topics impacting the team right now.
Should they shuffle the batting order?
First, Espada discussed the lineup construction and the club's struggles to score runs. Based on his comments, it doesn't sound like any changes to the batting order will be happening soon. “Right now, I like how guys are getting on,” said Espada. “We just have to get the job done” and drive them in.
Injury updates
He didn't say much about Cristian Javier, just that he is in Houston getting his work in. But, Framber Valdez will be throwing a side in the next few days. Espada believes they “are close to getting him back.”
How can Hunter Brown be more effective?
Espada thinks his last few starts have “been okay.” He just needs to execute and put batters away without extending at-bats. If he's able to do that, he should be able to pitch deeper into games.
Should the Astros play more small ball?
"There's room for that in our offense," said Espada. But he made the point that when the club does bunt a player to third base, the next hitter needs to select a pitch he can lift to the outfield.
Or when the infield is playing back with a man on third, “a ground ball to second base is still your best friend. We need to give ourselves up to try and gain something for the team.” This is something he believes the Astros are capable of because he's seen them do it in the past.
What's the plan at first base?
Look for Jon Singleton to get more opportunities in the next week or so. The club feels finding favorable matchups for both Singleton and Jose Abreu is crucial to their success. But for now, Espada is going to "look for opportunities to get Singleton some at-bats."
At the end of the day, the Astros are going to play the "hot hand" at first base. But between Abreu (.068 batting average) and Singleton (.229 batting average) it's more about playing the guy that's not ice-cold.
Up next
The Astros are back in action Tuesday night in Chicago, facing the Cubs. JP France (7.08 ERA) will make the start for the 'Stros.
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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.