Major competition heats up in Astros' search for final roster pieces
THE HEAT IS ON!
10 March
THE HEAT IS ON!
The Astros received a major sigh of relief as Christian Walker’s sore oblique showed no signs of strain. The potential injury scare could have had significant implications for Houston’s roster construction, particularly for top prospect Cam Smith. If Walker had been sidelined for an extended period, it might have opened the door for Smith to make the big league roster sooner rather than later.
When Smith does make his debut, the Astros face a crucial decision on his defensive position. Will he slot in at third base, with Isaac Paredes shifting to second? Or will Houston continue experimenting with him in right field, despite his limited experience at the position? The uncertainty surrounding Chas McCormick’s role in right field could factor into the equation as well. If McCormick struggles early, the Astros may be forced to accelerate Smith’s transition to the outfield.
Meanwhile, Astros general manager Dana Brown has openly acknowledged that the bullpen remains an area of concern. He emphasized that innings 5-7 are still up in the air, which led to Houston signing left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks, who posted a 4.50 ERA and recorded 10 saves between the Pirates and Rockies last season. Whether Beeks is the answer remains to be seen, but Brown’s comments suggest the team is still exploring additional reinforcements.
While Houston has had its share of injury struggles, the Yankees are now facing their own health crises. Gerrit Cole, their ace, is likely headed for Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for the entire season. Additionally, slugger Giancarlo Stanton is battling elbow issues that could keep him out for an extended period. Last season, the Astros dealt with key injuries to Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy, Justin Verlander, and JP France, and now it appears New York is suffering a similar fate. With the Yankees' roster in flux, their status as the favorites to win the American League could be in jeopardy.
As the Astros navigate these uncertainties, one thing is clear: the roster puzzle is far from complete. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how Houston solidifies its bullpen, outfield, and infield depth to ensure another competitive season.
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Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. had 30 points apiece and the Houston Rockets rallied for a 144-137 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, extending their season-best winning streak to seven games.
The Rockets trailed by as many as 25 points and never led in regulation before their late rally.
Houston was up by six points after opening overtime with a 9-3 run. Quentin Grimes made a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 140-137 with less than 2½ minutes left in OT.
But Alperen Sengun made two free throws with just over a minute left before Aaron Holiday added two more with 12.1 seconds remaining, making it 144-137 and securing the win.
The Rockets trailed by eight with less than a minute to go in the fourth before using a 10-2 run to tie it at 131, forcing overtime.
Smith made one free throw before missing the second, and Sengun grabbed the rebound and made the put-back to tie it with 3.1 seconds left in the fourth. Philadelphia had a chance to win it in regulation, but Jalen Hood-Schifino’s jumper missed.
Grimes had career highs of 46 points and 13 rebounds with a career-best eight 3-pointers for the Sixers. His performance helped Philadelphia tie a franchise record with 24 3s.
76ers: These young players, who are filling in for a roster decimated by injuries, continue to play hard, and Grimes has been almost unstoppable lately. The former University of Houston star has scored at least 40 points twice this month and over 30 four times.
Rockets: Houston needs to play more consistently after falling into a huge hole early.
Sengun’s putback with 3.1 seconds left in the fourth that sent it to overtime.
The teams combined for 46 3-pointers, with Houston making a season-high 22.
Houston visits Orlando on Wednesday, and Philadelphia visits Oklahoma City that night.