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Here are the short and long-term implications of Verlander's return to Astros
Aug 2, 2023, 2:48 pm
The short and long term implications of Verlander’s return to Astros
The Houston Astros sent shock waves through MLB on Tuesday when they traded for future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. And the addition of JV clearly is making an impact in the betting markets.
Adding Verlander immediately changed Houston's odds for this season. The Astros are now the favorites to win the American League, with only the Dodgers and Braves having better odds to win the World Series. But that's just looking at the immediate impact of the move. Another factor to consider is Houston's championship window.
That window has been extended, at least for another two or three years with Verlander under team control for the foreseeable future. However, once the Astros reach the 2026 season, it may be time for a lengthy rebuild considering the state of the farm system and contracts that are set to expire by then.
But who knows, that's a long time from now, and the Astros are looking to go all in and cement their dynasty with a third championship. Tuesday certainly was a landmark day for Astros fans, and not just because of Verlander.
Not to be upstaged, Framber Valdez went out and tossed a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. What a time to be an Astros fan!
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine all the implications of the trade deadline, and much more!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.