New Astros skipper hints at exciting philosophical shakeup for new-look lineup
SHAKING THINGS UP
27 February 2024
The Houston Astros only have a few games under their belt in spring training, but that hasn't kept new manager Joe Espada from already putting his stamp on the ball club.
Right out of the gate, Espada named Josh Hader his closer for the 2024 season, and said he would like to see the team more aggressive on the bases this season.
He also has a different approach for Jeremy Pena, who struggled last season after an incredible rookie campaign in which he won both ALCS and World Series MVP.
Espada is departing from Dusty Baker's management style and said he wants Pena to know where he's going to hit in the lineup every day he comes to the ballpark.
He also turned some heads recently when he said he plans on batting Yordan Alvarez second in the lineup. Which likely means Jose Altuve will leadoff, with Yordan, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker finishing out the top four respectively.
Be sure to watch the video above as we react to the Astros new lineup, discuss what the rest of the order will look like, weigh the pros and cons of moving up Alvarez, and much more.
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Altuve’s milestone homer sparks Astros past Yankees
Aug 10, 2025, 4:24 pm
Jason Alexander pitched one-hit ball through six innings, Jose Altuve hit his 250th career homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 7-1 Sunday after New York manager Aaron Boone was ejected in the third inning.
Y'all hear that? #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/IsOBv2Yh9U
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Alexander (3-1) allowed his first hit in the sixth inning, a one-out single to Ben Rice. Alexander did not allow a run for the second straight start. He walked three, struck out three in a game in which he relied mostly on changeups and sinkers over 87 pitches.
Alexander caught up with Julia Morales after the game.
Jason Alexander pitched the his best game yet with the @astros as the Summer Of George continues. After the win he spoke with @JuliaMorales pic.twitter.com/Uv05d0sXPu
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) August 10, 2025
Altuve, as designated hitter, homered to left in the first and became the 11th player whose primary position is second base to reach 250 homers.
Altuve had two hits and scored three runs, including on a double by Christian Walker in the third and on a single by Ramón Urías that fell in between shortstop Anthony Volpe and left fielder Cody Bellinger in the ninth.
Rookie Cam Smith had a two-out bases-loaded single that scored two runs in the fifth to help the Astros win for the fourth time in six games.
CAM THE MAN COMES THROUGH pic.twitter.com/qmsdVqTvf5
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Carlos Correa hit his second homer since being acquired from Minnesota, and Mauricio Dubón knocked in a run in the three-run ninth.
Silence in the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/D1f0nMnHEZ
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 10, 2025
Fried (12-5) allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings and lost for the third time in four starts.
The Yankees managed three hits and lost for the seventh time in nine games and were booed after the final out.
Boone was ejected for the fifth time this season after arguing a called strike on Ryan McMahon.
Key moment
Bennett Sousa loaded the bases with one out in the seventh and Bryan Abreu allowed a sacrifice fly to McMahon. On the next pitch, Abreu retired Austin Wells. Abreu retired Wells, Judge and Cody Bellinger in the eighth.
Key stats
Correa has five straight multi-hit games and six since rejoining Houston.
Up next
Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44 ERA) faces Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) on Monday in New York.The Yankees managed three hits and lost for the seventh time in nine games and were booed after the final out.
Boone was ejected for the fifth time this season after arguing a called strike on Ryan McMahon.
Key moment
Bennett Sousa loaded the bases with one out in the seventh and Bryan Abreu allowed a sacrifice fly to McMahon. On the next pitch, Abreu retired Austin Wells. Abreu retired Wells, Judge and Cody Bellinger in the eighth.
Key stats
Correa has five straight multi-hit games and six since rejoining Houston.
Up next
Yankees RHP Will Warren (6-5, 4.44 ERA) faces Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (3-3, 5.17) on Monday in New York.
Astros RHP Cristian Javier will make his first start of 2025 after requiring Tommy John surgery last season. He'll face the visiting Red Sox and LHP Garrett Crochet (13-4, 2.24) on Monday.
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