Weighing Houston Astros first half strides versus needed weapons for upcoming battles
STONE COLD 'STROS
16 July
The All-Star break came at the right time for Houston. Composite Getty Image.
The All-Star break is officially here, and the Astros sit just one game behind the first place-Mariners in the AL West. Houston had an opportunity to gain another game on Seattle, but were unable to win one of the final two games against the Rangers over the weekend.
But considering the 'Stros abysmal start to the season, being just one game out of the division lead feels like a win. Not that long ago, fans were calling for Joe Espada's head, with some wishing the Astros would bring Dusty Baker out of retirement. And let's not forget about the Jose Abreu saga, that now feels like a fever dream.
As we know, baseball is a long season. At some point talent would win out, and here they are with sights on winning the division and heading back to the postseason.
Certainly, Houston's star players deserve credit for digging the team out of an enormous hole. But getting back in playoff contention was a team effort. Jake Meyers has excelled in his role in center field, justifying the team's decision to give him a chance to be the team's starter.
And while Jeremy Pena hasn't turned into a power-hitting perennial All-Star, he has shown a lot of improvement after a lackluster 2023. The fact that his on base percentage is higher than Alex Bregman's should not be ignored.
Also, let's not forget that the Astros got on this roll without help from the injured slugger, Kyle Tucker. When Tucker does return to the lineup, you have to wonder what that will mean for the slumping Chas McCormick. He could be the odd man out with Joey Loperfido's emergence and Pedro Leon putting up big numbers in Sugar Land.
Finally, we have to talk about the pitching. Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia have hit some snags in recovery. It's now looking like Garcia might be back in August, and it's hard to believe McCullers will be back this season since he's been shutdown from throwing. Add Justin Verlander's injury to that mix, and you have some real concerns for the pitching staff.
Ronel Blanco has been terrific, but he's showing signs of fatigue, with his velo down a couple ticks in recent starts. It's hard to believe the Astros can get to the finish line without trading for another starting pitcher.
Big series looming
When the Astros return to action on Friday, they square off with the Mariners. Which means a series win over Seattle would put the 'Stros in first place in the division.
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine the importance of the upcoming series with the Mariners, if the club should be concerned with the surging Rangers, and much more!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
What (and who) is really behind Houston Texans push for Kenyon Green's return
Dec 10, 2024, 3:20 pm
Coming off the bye week the Houston Texans received good news as both LB Christian Harris and LG Kenyon Green have been designated to return from injury.
The timing couldn't be better with Harris considering the loss of LB Azeez Al-Shaair, who was suspended for three games for his hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans hasn't announced a return to game action for Harris or Green, the plan is to see how they progress over the course of the week before making any decisions.
When joining the Texans YouTube channel this week, Ryans described Green as a “player that can move people in the run game,” but also acknowledged his issues in pass protection that need to be cleaned up.
While Green was only on the field for three of the whopping 8 sacks on CJ Stroud the last time he started a game, it must be pointed out that he was atrocious that Thursday night against the Jets.
And that was following up a game against the Colts that got him benched for his struggles. If not for Jarrett Patterson suffering a concussion against Indy, Green shouldn't have been on the field versus New York.
That's why Ryans' comments about Green returning are so concerning. “If he's ready to get back out there, I think he can help us,” said the Texans head coach.
To be fair, it's not like the Texans have had much success with Juice Scruggs at guard and Patterson at center. But at least they haven't been a complete disaster in pass protection like they were with Green in the lineup. Green was getting beat quick or missing assignments that led to immediate pressures and big hits on Stroud.
Ground and pound?
There's a narrative out there that Green is the better option when it comes to run blocking. But no matter how you frame it, he was one of the worst, if not the worst, guard in the NFL according to ProFootballFocus before suffering the injury.
Somehow that's supposed to change after returning from a dislocated shoulder? I don't buy it. And considering the Texans' upcoming schedule, they're probably going to struggle with running the ball against the Ravens, Chiefs, and Titans, whether he plays or not.
Those teams are strong against the run, and the Texans would be wise to try to beat them with the passing game, considering the matchup.
Another narrative out there is that GM Nick Caserio wants to give Green every possible opportunity to succeed because he spent a 1st-round pick on Green, and passed up several Pro Bowl players in doing so.
For me, that argument falls a bit flat. Caserio used a 2nd-round pick on Scruggs, so he has a lot invested in both players. However, Scruggs isn't without criticism. He's been an obvious weakness at guard, though he did play much better against the Jaguars last week. It's the Jags, read into that what you will. But Caserio did admit recently that Scruggs is a better center than guard.
Perhaps the plan is to put Scruggs back at center with Green returning. But that could spell trouble as well. The communication issues on the o-line seem to have improved with Patterson at center.
At the end of the day, the number one job for the o-line has to be protecting Stroud, who has been the second-most sacked QB this season (41).
He's taken a sack in every game this year, and has been sacked four or more times in six of thirteen games. Four of those six games featured Green as the starting guard.
Up next
Houston will get their first test after the bye week as they host the 6–7 Dolphins, who still have something to play for. Despite the Texans' up and down season, they can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Miami, and a loss from the Colts.
