What's the plan for Tytus Howard this season? Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images.
Houston Texans OTA's are in full swing, and we can't remember there being this much optimism about the team in years. Which has a lot of national media outlets creating more content about the Texans than ever before.
But one thing to watch out for from these national content creators is how plugged in they really are to the team. When the Texans drafted tackle Blake Fisher in the second round, many believed that was a sign that he would be the starter at right tackle, and Tytus Howard would be moved back to guard.
But anyone that has actually watched Howard play, knows that he's a much better tackle than he is a guard. And it's not even close. The Texans have talked about getting their best five linemen on the field, so we're not ruling out Howard moving back to guard at some point.
At the end of the day, Howard has struggled to stay healthy and Laremy Tunsil missed some games last year too. It's more likely the Texans added Fisher as depth at the position for this season, and he could be Howard's replacement at right tackle in 2025.
Plus, the Texans spent the No. 15 overall on left guard Kenyon Green in 2023. They would love for him to live up to his potential and be their starting guard moving forward. At this point, Howard looks like Plan B or C at left guard should the team need him to play there again in a pinch.
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's Paul Gallant and Joe George discuss how they see the Texans offensive line taking shape this season.
How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
