SWEET RELIEF
Here’s how the Astros bullpen debate is being misconstrued
May 9, 2023, 9:24 am
Here’s how the Astros bullpen debate is being misconstrued
The Houston Astros' struggles haven't been limited to just the offense as of late. The bullpen is always an area of concern, and Rafael Montero and his contract have been a hot topic this week.
Montero signed a new deal with the Astros this offseason while the team was without a general manager, as was first baseman Jose Abreu. With that in mind, Montero is getting similar criticism to Abreu, despite being good for most of the season until his recent hiccups against the Mariners and Angels.
Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss if the criticism of Montero is fair.
Editor's note: The video was shot before Monday night's game against the Angles.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.