Major competition heats up in Astros' search for final roster pieces
THE HEAT IS ON!
10 March
How soon could we see roster changes if the Astros get off to another slow start? Composite Getty Image.
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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José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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