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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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).