IT'S HAPPENING
Latest news gives Houston Astros a big boost with A's coming to town
May 19, 2023, 11:55 am
He's baaack! Composite Getty Image.
brantley-altuve-mccormick
The Houston Astros host the Oakland Athletics this weekend at Minute Maid Park, and it looks like there will be a big reason to celebrate for Astros fans.
Tonight, Jose Altuve returns. pic.twitter.com/H95PEmcyD5
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 19, 2023
Jose Altuve has been activated and will play for the first time this season after fracturing his thumb in the World Baseball Classic.
Jose Altuve will make his season debut tonight at @MinuteMaidPark.
🎟️: https://t.co/JKVVoyRky2 pic.twitter.com/ofVDjUiLUF
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 19, 2023
Brandon Bielak (0-1, 3.29 ERA, 10 SO) will be on the mound for the Astros and Altuve will make his debut against LHP Ken Waldichuk (1-2, 7.02 ERA, 36 SO).
The Astros are still waiting for Michael Brantley and Lance McCullers to play this season. After being shutdown, Michael Brantley is feeling better. He's dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired shoulder. A target date for his return has yet to be determined.
McCullers is making good progress and seeing his velocity improve, but there is still no timeline for his return.
It will be interesting to see what the Astros do with Mauricio Dubon, who has done a fantastic job in Altuve's absence. He currently leads the team in hits, runs, and doubles.
In this episode, we break down the decision to bring rookie Cam Smith up to the Houston Astros big league roster — just 96 plate appearances into his major league journey.
Was it the right call, or a move made out of desperation due to the early-season outfield situation? We dive into the context of the Kyle Tucker trade, the uncertainty surrounding the outfield to start the year, and whether Cam Smith was truly ready — or if the Astros may have rushed a top prospect before he was fully developed.
Don't miss the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank break it all down!