How Astros' nuanced identity is challenging Houston’s comfort level
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
07 April
Will the real Astros please stand up? Composite Getty Image.
Through nine games, the Astros have shown flashes of the team fans hoped they’d be—but just as often, they’ve looked like a group still figuring things out. They’ve won two of their first three series, yet sit below .500 at 4-5, with inconsistency defining the early days of the season.
On some days, it’s the offense that carries them—like when Yordan Alvarez delivers a game-changing swing, or when Jose Altuve and Jake Meyers inject life into the basepaths. But even with moments like those, the lineup hasn’t clicked on all cylinders. Isaac Paredes’ four-hit day in the series finale against the Twins stood out, hopefully he's able to ride that momentum into a strong performance in the Mariners series.
Spencer Arrighetti had a tough outing against the Twins, struggling with command, hitting batters, and leaving a hanging curveball that was launched for a three-run homer. It was a reminder of how uncertain the back of the rotation remains. Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco, and Arrighetti all pitched poorly in their second turns through the rotation, while Hunter Brown looked sharp in contrast.
The bullpen has been more stable. Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader have been solid, and Rafael Montero turned in a promising performance in the finale in Minnesota. Logan VanWey is set to join the bullpen while Luis Contreras heads to Sugar Land, offering another fresh arm as the team looks to settle into a rhythm.
Offensively, questions linger. Catcher Yainer Diaz hasn’t gotten going at the plate yet—does he need more time to swing out of it, or should Victor Caratini see more starts behind the dish? And what to do about Cam Smith and Zach Dezenzo, who haven’t provided much production? Chas McCormick has been decent but not a spark, and the team may need to consider shuffling things to find more consistency.
Nine games in, it’s unclear exactly who the Astros are. The talent is there, the flashes are obvious—but until they string together complete performances more regularly, the 2025 Astros remain a team in search of its identity.
Hopefully Hayden Wesneski follows in Brown's footsteps and provides a quality start in his second time through the rotation.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise
The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.
But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.
Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.
As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.
Can the bats keep pace?
If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.
As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.
The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.
Cristian Javier threw a 20-pitch live BP today in West Palm Beach. According to Joe Espada, he was up to 95 mph.
Luis Garcia should throw a live BP next week.
Spencer Arrighetti is still not throwing off a mound yet.
Yordan Alvarez has not resumed hitting.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 20, 2025
Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.
The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.
There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
