Houston Astros much-needed dramatic turnaround must start with this
FIRST THINGS FIRST
26 September 2023
The Houston Astros got everything they needed from Justin Verlander on Monday night, as the team was able to secure a critical win over the Mariners.
Starting pitching has been the biggest issue of late for Houston, with Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown both getting lit up by the Royals over the weekend.
Hopefully, Cristian Javier and Framber Valdez can follow the blueprint JV provided and give the team a legit chance to win their next two games in Seattle.
As we look ahead to the next series, JP France seems like the likely starter on Friday, but after that things get murky. If Saturday is a must-win game for Houston, Verlander seems like the most logical choice on 4 days rest. Then they must decide if they want to use Valdez on short rest, or go all hands on deck with a bullpen game.
At this point, it's hard to imagine Hunter Brown making another start this season. Brown has surrendered 6 earned runs or more in 3 of his last 4 starts. His ERA for the season is now over 5.
But it's not just Brown and, to a much lesser extent, JP France causing concern for the Astros rotation. There's no way around it, all these guys have regressed.
Verlander (2022 ERA 1.75, 2023 ERA 3.32)
Javier (2022 ERA 2.54, 2023 ERA 4.64)
And Framber's ERA has gone up about 1/2 a run (2.82-3.39).
But it's not all on the pitching. The defense has taken a step back this year, and what about the coaching? Shouldn't the coaches be accountable for some of this?
If not, then why do they them?
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion.
Don't miss Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on SportsMap Houston's YouTube channel.
Kyle Tucker launched a three-run homer and matched a season high with four hits against the team that traded him in December, and the Chicago Cubs routed Houston 12-3 on Saturday night to stop the Astros' five-game winning streak.
Tucker also scored four times to pace a Cubs lineup that pounded out 15 hits, including three by Dansby Swanson. Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner also went deep.
Chicago hit three homers in an inning for the second time this season during a seven-run fourth. Busch and Hoerner had back-to-back solo shots to put the Cubs on top 3-2, and Tucker’s drive made it 7-2.
The offensive outburst came in support of Colin Rea (5-3), who allowed two runs and five hits over five innings. The only blemish on his line was rookie Cam Smith’s two-run homer in the third, which briefly gave the Astros a 2-1 lead.
Smith, part of the package Houston received for Tucker, finished with two hits and has homered in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
Lance McCullers Jr. (1-3) came off the injured list and allowed eight runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Isaac Paredes, also part of the Astros' trade return for Tucker, hit his 17th home run.
Key moment
Tucker’s three-run homer in the fourth that put the Cubs ahead 7-2.
Key stat
McCullers has a 10.89 ERA in five home starts this season, but hasn’t allowed an earned run in three road starts.
Up next
Houston LHP Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA) opposes RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.77 ERA) when the series concludes Sunday.
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