How Astros World Series aspirations just got a lot more interesting
POSTSEASON EVOLUTION
21 August 2024
Justin Verlander returns to the mound on Wednesday! Composite Getty Image.
One bit of positive news we received this week involves Justin Verlander and his return to game action against the Red Sox on Wednesday.
We're still waiting for Alex Bregman to return to the lineup, and who knows when we'll finally see Kyle Tucker. But we do expect them to be back at some point.
When that time arrives, what should we expect?
Bregman was finally getting hot, like he does every August. Will he pick right up where he left off?
And what about Verlander and Tucker? What version of them should we expect?
For Verlander, you have to think he's 100% ready to come back. If he needed another couple of weeks, there's plenty of season left to take more time.
He last pitched on June 9th before going on the injured list, so he should be ready to go on August 21. Two months off from a sore neck should be plenty of time.
In Tucker's case, the Astros have been so offensively challenged in the outfield that 70% of Tucker should be an upgrade.
The Astros are on a roll!
Considering how well the Astros have been playing without some of their best players, it is possible for them to win it all without them?
Plus, the Astros have 20 of 36 games remaining against elite teams once the 'Stros head to Baltimore. As for the Mariners, they only have 11 games left against top quality teams.
So even with a 5 game lead over Seattle, the race for the division isn't over yet!
Be sure to watch the video above to hear the full discussion!
*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.
Significant elements at play in Astros-Royals high-stakes series finale
May 14, 2025, 3:57 pm
The Houston Astros (21-20) host the Kansas City Royals (25-19) on Wednesday night at Daikin Park in the rubber match of a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.
The series is tied 1-1, with both teams trading wins and showcasing the depth that’s kept them competitive early in the season. This will be the sixth meeting between the clubs this year, with Kansas City holding a slight edge in the season series, 3-2.
Pitching matchup
Houston hands the ball to rookie left-hander Colton Gordon, who is set to make his MLB debut. The 26-year-old will look to keep a red-hot Royals lineup in check while giving the Astros a glimpse of their pitching future.
Kansas City counters with veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA), who has quietly anchored the Royals’ rotation. Lorenzen has struck out 40 batters over 45.1 innings and enters the game with a 1.26 WHIP.
Team trends
Houston enters the night just above .500 and has played well at home (14-9), backed by an offense that ranks 10th in the AL with a .379 slugging percentage. The Astros have hit .289 as a team over their last 10 games and have outscored opponents by 11 runs during that stretch.
Kansas City, meanwhile, continues to surprise in the AL Central. The Royals have gone 7-3 over their last 10 games with a solid 2.74 team ERA and an equally impressive .277 team batting average in that span. However, they’re under .500 on the road at 9-12.
Players to watch
For the Astros, Jake Meyers has been a steady presence at the plate, leading the team with a .308 average and contributing across the board. Jeremy Peña has also heated up recently, batting .349 over his last 10 games with a pair of home runs and nine RBIs.
The Royals continue to ride the bat of Bobby Witt Jr., who’s slashing .312 with 17 doubles and five homers. Kyle Isbel has quietly been effective too, hitting .357 over his last 10 games with extra-base pop.
Betting odds
According to BetMGM, the Astros are favored at -139 on the moneyline, with the Royals at +118. The over/under is set at 8 runs.
With both teams playing well and the series on the line, Wednesday night’s matchup offers a compelling mix of youth, momentum, and early-season implications for two surging squads.
Here's a sneak peek at Wednesday night's lineup.
Gordon debut.
⚾️: 7:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/nzJhNJzvAc
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 14, 2025
Nothing too surprising going on here. Zach Dezenzo is getting the start over Cam Smith in right field. Victor Caratini will be the only left-handed bat (switch hitter) against Lorenzen, as he'll be catching Gordon in his big league debut, with Yainer Diaz in the DH spot. Mauricio Dubon will be playing second base, with Brendan Rodgers getting the night off.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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