National media finds another way to complain about the Astros
AROUND THE HORN
03 April 2020
Thursday on Around The Horn, Tony Reali, Frank Isola, Sarah Spain and Woody Paige discuss if former Astros manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow have truly served their punishments if they are allowed to return next season even if no games are played in 2020.
First, we have no idea what the 2020 season will look like at this point, so there's no reason to complain about their punishments because MLB's 2020 season could still take place. Second, both Hinch and Luhnow were fired. MLB handed down the suspensions, if you have an issue with their punishments, then go after commissioner Rob Manfred.
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The Houston Astros got a huge series win against the Rangers over the weekend, with two big performances from Ronel Blanco and Cristian Javier.
Jose Altuve had two more home runs on Sunday, giving him five total dingers this season. And while it has been a rough start to the season for Houston, they're currently only 2.5 games out of first place in the AL West behind the Rangers.
On the mend
Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez are expected to return to the rotation soon, and Verlander could be ready as soon as Friday against the Washington Nationals.
Astros prospect Joey Loperfido continues to mash the baseball at Triple-A, and Jose Abreu struggled again on Sunday, going 0-4. It's just a matter of time before the Astros promote him to the big leagues. Through 14 games, Loperfido is slashing .333/.429/.895/1.324 with 10 home runs. Loperfido was just recently named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week.
The offense is looking good
Overall, the Astros offense is doing its part, they're currently 3rd in team OPS this season. Pitching is the area the Astros need to get corrected. Their team ERA is second-to-last at 5.32.
Up next
The Astros will look to keep things going against the Braves on Monday with Spencer Arrighetti on the mound.
Don't miss the video above as we react to the Astros series win over the Rangers, look ahead at the upcoming series with Atlanta, and much more!
