Why Astros response to bullpen struggles will be telling during crucial stretch
STONE COLD 'STROS
10 June
Houston's bullpen is not living up to expectations.Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Astros were on the verge of sweeping the Angels over the weekend until their bullpen issues struck again. Ryan Pressly was unable to hold a two-run lead in the eighth inning, allowing the game to be tied 7-7.
Things went from bad to worse in the ninth inning, when Josh Hader allowed a 2-run homer, which won the game for the Angels.
Despite Hader's performance on Sunday, he's been good this season overall, but Pressly is a different story. He's allowed runs in three of his last six outings, and sports a 0-3 record with a 5.40 ERA.
A quick look at the post below shows Pressly already has five blown saves this season. Manager Joe Espada said after the game that Pressly's role would not change. But one has to wonder how much longer the team can continue to run Pressly out there with the game hanging in the balance.
Ryan Pressly when appearing in a game tied/up 1/up 2 this season
3/28 NYY - L
4/2 TOR - Hold
4/17 ATL - BS (1)
4/20 WSH - BS (2)
4/30 CLE - Kept game tied
5/3 SEA - Hold
5/9 NYY - Hold
5/14 OAK - BS (3)
5/21 LAA - Kept game tied
5/28 SEA - BS (4), L
6/2 MIN - L
Today - BS (5)
— Houston Rob (@The_Dr_Evil) June 9, 2024
The time is now
The Astros' schedule is very favorable right now. If there was ever a time to dig out of the hole they're in, this is it. They have to find a way to stack wins against the Giants, Tigers, and White Sox. If they don't, it's hard to see them being buyers at the trade deadline, which is their intention according to GM Dana Brown.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the Astros' bullpen woes, and examine some options the club could turn to if the issues persist.
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.
How 3 major x-factors could tip the scales in Texans-Colts: Week 1
Sep 5, 2024, 7:27 pm
The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
