THE BAR IS SET HIGH
How critical key to Astros season might also be its most unlikely
Apr 2, 2023, 11:18 am
How critical key to Astros season might also be its most unlikely
The Houston Astros have some injuries to overcome over the first few weeks of the season, but these health concerns can also provide opportunities for several of the Astros developing players.
Jeremy Pena was a pleasant surprise in his rookie season for the Astros. He became a player the team counted on as the season progressed, and we all know how impressive he was in the postseason.
This year, Yainer Diaz, David Hensley and Corey Julks have a chance to do something special in their first full year in the big leagues. It would be expecting a lot for Yainer Diaz to have a breakout season similar to Pena's, but the team is going to have to lean on him as they wait on Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve to get healthy. Whether it be catching, playing left field, first base, or DH, the Astros are going to need Diaz's bat.
Be sure to check out the video above as we examine what the Astros are hoping to get from their young players, and what the expectations should be for the Astros top hitting prospect, Yainer Diaz.
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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.