Astros manager reveals plan of action for 5 critical issues haunting the club

Astros Yainer Diaz, Joe Espada, Yordan Alvarez
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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The Astros beat the Phillies, 2-1. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.

Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.

Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.

The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.

Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.

Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.

Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!

Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.

Key moment

Smith’s RBI.

Key stat

Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.

Up next

The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.

The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).

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