How Astros now find themselves threading unfamiliar needle down the stretch
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE
09 August 2023
One of the biggest strengths for the Houston Astros in 2022 was their incredible bullpen. Heading into this season, it was expected that would be the case once again, but many pitchers have not been able to replicate that success in 2023.
While Dusty Baker has received criticism for his lineups regularly, he's done as much as can be expected with his relief pitchers. At times, Phil Maton, Rafael Montero, and Ryne Stanek have been unusable. Which has caused a higher level of fatigue for the guys Dusty can count on.
Recently, Baker gave Ryan Pressly several days off as he was dealing with soreness, and that paid big dividends. The Astros closer rewarded the team with a huge save in their first game against the Orioles on Tuesday night.
And now we're seeing starter JP France make some relief appearances as well. But would he be better suited staying in the rotation?
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine how the Astros can best maneuver the challenges they face done the stretch with their relief pitching.
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Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the slumping Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Friday night.
Brown (6-1) struck out nine, matching his season high for the fourth straight start. The right-hander also issued a season-high four walks in his fifth consecutive win.
Brown departed after Gavin Lux walked with two out in the sixth. Kaleb Ort got Spencer Steer to bounce into a forceout at second.
Josh Hader handled the ninth for his ninth save.
Cincinnati finished with four hits in its sixth loss in seven games.
Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (1-4) surrendered 10 hits and three runs in six innings. He struck out five and walked none.
Zach Dezenzo hit a two-out RBI single in the second, and the Astros added two more runs in the fifth.
Mauricio Dubón followed Brendan Rodgers’ leadoff double with a chopper past third baseman Santiago Espinal, moving Rodgers to third. Jeremy Peña drove in Rodgers with a groundout to second, and Isaac Paredes doubled home Dubón with two down.
Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz each had two hits for the Astros.
Cincinnati's Austin Hays returned from the injured list after missing 10 games with a left hamstring strain. He went 1 for 4.
Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was scratched due to left calf tenderness after missing the last two games.
Key moment
Tyler Stephenson hit a one-out double for Cincinnati in the ninth. But Hader struck out Rece Hinds and Espinal, ending the game.
Key stat
It was Houston's first win against the Reds since June 19, 2016, ending a nine-game skid.
Up next
Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season and first home start since October 3, 2022, against Reds right-hander Brady Singer (4-2 3.66 ERA) on Saturday night.
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