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​Here’s why imminent change should be near for Astros third act

The Houston Astros are currently sitting three games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West, which has some concerned that the team could be running out of time to win the division.

There doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency from manager Dusty Baker, who continues to start players that don't give the Astros the best chance to win on a daily basis. Houston only recording two hits in Justin Verlander's first start back with the team is a prime example.

Choosing to play Martin Maldonado, Mauricio Dubon, AND Grey Kessenger in the same game caught a lot of attention over the weekend. Nobody was surprised that the team failed to get anything going offensively with that lineup in place. Which has many fans and media wondering why Baker is managing this team like he has a 5-game lead in the division.

Also, the Astros may get a shot in the arm with Jon Singleton joining the big league ball club after pummeling Triple A pitching in Sugar Land. While Singleton joining the team could be a good thing, it could also lead to less at-bats for Yainer Diaz.

On the positive side, maybe Singleton's arrival could create more days off for Jose Abreu, who has returned to being one of the worst hitters in MLB. Currently, he has the 8th-worst OPS in baseball (.641).

Don't miss the video above as we discuss John Granato's prediction that the Astros will finish the season with a 6-game lead over the Rangers, how likely that is at this late stage of the season, and much more.

Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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The Houston Texans have a huge game against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, and they must come away with a victory if they want to avoid falling to 0-3 on the season.

And don't look now, but beating the Jags just got a little more difficult with Aaron Wilson reporting that Derek Stingley Jr is expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. Plus, nickel corner Tavierre Thomas will also be out after having surgery on his hand.

The Texans are dealing with a massive amount of injuries just two weeks into the season. But one could argue some of these could have been avoided.

Both Stingley and guard Kenyon Green (IR) had injury concerns coming out of college and GM Nick Caseiro decided to draft them in the top half of the first round, despite those red flags.


Green will miss the rest of the season needing shoulder surgery, and if Stingley is placed on IR and misses 4 games, he will have only played in 11 of a possible 23 games to start his career. Don't forget, Stingley missed time due to a hamstring issue in 2022 as well.

And let's not forget, Caserio passed on All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner, when he decided to draft Stingley No. 3 overall in 2022. The Jets selected Gardner with the very next pick.

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the implications of these injuries for the Texans and Caserio's future in Houston.

If you enjoy the videos, subscribe to SportsMap Texans on YouTube for our latest content.

And listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.

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