GAME PREVIEW
3 pivotal elements to watch in Astros showdown with Padres
Sep 16, 2024, 1:51 pm
The Padres host the Astros Monday night. Composite Getty Image.
Houston Astros (81-68, first in AL West) vs. San Diego Padres (85-65, second in NL West)
San Diego; Monday, 9:40 p.m. EDT
The Houston Astros and San Diego Padres kick off a three-game series on Monday night, with both teams vying to solidify their postseason positioning. Houston sits atop the AL West with an 81-68 record, while San Diego is in second place in the NL West at 85-65.
Pitching probables
- Astros: Spencer Arrighetti (7-12, 4.72 ERA, 158 strikeouts)
Arrighetti has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent throughout the season. He'll need to be sharp against a Padres lineup that has been surging in September. - Padres: Yu Darvish (5-3, 3.52 ERA, 62 strikeouts)
Darvish has been reliable for San Diego and comes into the game with a solid 1.14 WHIP. He’s looking to build on his strong recent form and provide the Padres with a quality start.
Team outlook
- Astros: Houston has been solid on the road, holding a 39-36 record away from Minute Maid Park. Their offense has been potent, ranking eighth in MLB with a .419 slugging percentage. Key players like Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz will look to stay hot and lead the team in this important series.
- Padres: San Diego has been dominant when out-hitting their opponents, boasting a 68-20 record in such games. Their home record stands at 40-35, and they'll look to capitalize on that advantage in this series. Jurickson Profar and Luis Arraez have been key contributors for the Padres' offense, and they’ll be instrumental in taking on Houston’s pitching staff.
Recent form
- Padres (6-4 in their last 10 games): They have been hitting well, posting a .267 average with a 3.07 team ERA over this stretch, outscoring their opponents by 15 runs.
- Astros (6-4 in their last 10 games): Houston is swinging the bats even better, hitting .289 over their last 10, with a 3.72 team ERA and a positive run differential of 14.
This series will be crucial as both teams push toward the playoffs. Expect a competitive matchup in the series opener.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Padres -136, Astros +115; over/under 8 runs.
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Adding Brendan Rodgers is a low risk move that could provide solid upside. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
The Houston Astros have bolstered their infield by reportedly signing former Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers.
Sources: IF Brendan Rodgers and #Astros have agreed to a 1-year deal, pending physical. pic.twitter.com/ysZkLgMbYs
— Ari Alexander (@KPRC2Ari) February 19, 2025
The move adds both defensive stability and offensive upside to a team looking to maintain its dominance in the AL West.
Rodgers, a former first-round pick, spent the past six seasons with the Rockies, where he showcased his defensive prowess and developing bat. Known for his smooth glove work, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 and has been a steady presence at second base. Offensively, Rodgers has shown flashes of power and consistency, though injuries have occasionally slowed his progress.
Should he make the team, Rodgers is expected to slot into the infield mix, potentially taking over as the everyday second baseman or serving as a key utility option. His arrival makes the possibility of Jose Altuve playing a significant amount of time in left field seem more likely.
It also frees up Mauricio Dubon to remain in a utility role and not regularly penciled in at second base when Altuve starts in left.
Rodgers posted a .267 batting average over 135 games last season. He recorded a .314 on-base percentage, while slugging .407, with an OPS of .721. He also blasted 13 dingers in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.
You can watch his 2024 highlights below.
*ChatGPT assisted with this content.