Here’s why imminent change should be near for Astros third act
PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT
08 August 2023
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.
If you like the videos, subscribe to the SportsMapHouston channel on YouTube for our latest content.
Presented by Coors Light.
Christian Walker delivers late heroics to push Astros past Rockies
Aug 28, 2025, 4:08 pm
Christian Walker homered twice, capped by a tiebreaking solo shot in the eighth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.
ANOTHA ONE. pic.twitter.com/ZSotUshBrA
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
The game was tied 3-3 with no outs when Walker sent the first pitch from Luis Peralta (1-2) into left center field. Walker also homered in the first inning to make this the 15th multi-homer game of his career.
Oppo for Walker! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/ZUt9Q1Qcco
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
Jose Altuve also homered for the Astros, who won a second straight after dropping the series opener.
GOATuve. pic.twitter.com/CMeDnExsOj
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
The Rockies had a chance to take the lead when they loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh. Jordan Beck reached on a catcher’s interference call on César Salazar, but Kaleb Ort struck out Brenton Doyle to leave everyone stranded.
Bryan King (4-3) threw a scoreless eighth for the win and Bryan Abreu allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Altuve and Walker hit back-to-back homers with two outs in the first inning to put Houston up 2-0. Mauricio Dubón scored on a bunt single by Salazar to push the lead to 3-0.
The Rockies loaded the bases with one out in the third and made it 3-1 when Mickey Moniak grounded into a force out that sent a run home.
Ezequiel Tovar homered into the seats in right field with two outs in the fourth.
Yanquiel Fernández tied it when he belted his second homer this season to right field in the fifth.
Key moment
Walker’s second home run.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart caught up with Walker after the big win.
A clean-shaven Christian Walker led the Astros to a razor-thin win over the Rockies pic.twitter.com/wvE1n6hXMv
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 28, 2025
Key stat
The Rockies left 10 men on base.
Up next
Colorado RHP Germán Márquez (3-11, 5.67 ERA) is expected to come off the injured list Friday to oppose RHP Cade Horton (8-4, 2.88) in the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs.
Houston RHP Cristian Javier (1-1, 5.40) opposes LHP Tyler Anderson (2-8, 4.73) when the Astros open a four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels Friday night.
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