How critical key to Astros season might also be its most unlikely
THE BAR IS SET HIGH
02 April 2023
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.
Astros let late lead slip as Mariners stun Houston with wild rally
Apr 9, 2025, 8:07 pm
Randy Arozarena hit a grand slam in the eighth and drew the game-winning walk in the ninth as the Seattle Mariners rallied for seven runs over the final two innings to beat the Houston Astros 7-6 on Wednesday.
Arozarena's slam trimmed Seattle's deficit to one before the Astros made it 6-4 when Jeremy Peña scored on a wild pitch by Casey Lawrence (1-0) in the top of the ninth.
Julio Rodríguez delivered a two-run double in the bottom half to tie it, and a walk to Mitch Garver loaded the bases. Houston got a forceout at home before Bryan Abreu (0-1) walked Arozarena on a full count.
The Astros seemingly had the game in hand after Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball over six shutout innings. They took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of eighth against a Mariners team that went 1 for 19 with runners in scoring position during a 2-1 loss in 12 innings Tuesday night.
Lawrence, called up from the minors Wednesday to provide relief for an overtaxed bullpen, pitched the final three innings, giving up two runs and four hits. Luis F. Castillo started for Seattle and threw 100 pitches in four innings, allowing four runs — three earned — in his second major league start.
The Mariners were without infielder Ryan Bliss, put on the 10-day injured list with a left biceps tear. Seattle also called up infielder Leo Rivas, and pitcher Jesse Hahn was designated for assignment.
Key moment
A replay review determined Seattle’s Donovan Solano got back to third base just in time to avoid a tag by Isaac Paredes on a fielder’s choice grounder in the ninth. Rodriguez followed with his bases-loaded double to tie it.
Key stat
Arozarena went 2 for 3 with a double, two walks and five RBIs in the cleanup spot to raise his batting average to .191.
Up next
Houston had not announced a starting pitcher to face RHP Jack Kochanowicz (1-0, 3.27 ERA) and the Angels at home Friday night.
Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (0-2, 5.73) pitches against Texas RHP Jacob deGrom (0-0, 3.38) on Friday night.
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