ASTROS PODCAST
Astros could send shockwaves with some bold choices | Stone Cold 'Stros #4
Jan 3, 2023, 8:14 pm
Editor's note: This was recorded before the Astros decided to bring back their entire broadcast team.
This week, the guys discuss Carlos Correa's contract limbo, whether the Astros should consider taking a chance on Trevor Bauer, a possible Astros broadcast shake-up, and Bleacher Report's idiotic ranking of Houston's front office.
About Stone Cold 'Stros: Featuring senior content contributor Charlie Pallilo, Sportsmap.com editor Josh Jordan, and digital sports director Brandon Strange, our goal is to make Stone Cold 'Stros your go-to source for Astros news and reaction without all the noisy, exhausting hot takes.
New episodes stream LIVE Mondays at 3pm on the SportsMap HOU YouTube channel, where you can interact with the show. The audio version will release across most listening platforms later that evening. Search for us on your favorite podcast provider today or click one of the providers below and be sure to subscribe. Let's go 'Stros!
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Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.