The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, marking a significant turnaround after a challenging start. With Wednesday afternoon's victory over the Colorado Rockies, the Astros reached a 40-40 record, completing a two-game sweep and extending their winning streak to seven games.
Starting the season with an 0-4 record, the Astros have had their share of struggles. By April 25, they were at a dismal 7-19. However, the team found a spark in June, beginning the month with a 25-33 record and managing to win 15 of their last 22 games. As a result, they have edged closer to the division lead, now just 4.5 games behind.
Pitching has played a crucial role in the Astros' resurgence. Spencer Arrighetti delivered a stellar performance against the Rockies, holding their lineup scoreless over seven innings and striking out a career-high 10 batters. His effort exemplifies the kind of pitching Houston has been seeking amidst numerous setbacks in their rotation.
Rotation Challenges
The Astros have faced a plethora of challenges with their pitching staff this season. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after posting a 7.46 ERA in five starts this year. Despite his struggles, France showed promise last season with a 3.83 ERA over 136 1/3 innings.
Additionally, the team has lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. As if that wasn't enough, ace Justin Verlander is currently sidelined with a neck issue, and there is no timetable for his return.
Manager Joe Espada mentioned that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still working their way back from elbow surgeries they underwent last year. This has led to a rotation that's posted a 4.26 ERA, ranking 18th in baseball—a stark contrast to the team's usual standards.
GM Dana Brown addressed the pitching woes, noting, "When he got hurt in spring training and he felt the discomfort, we were really pressing to get him back and maybe we may have rushed him a little bit. Especially with Verlander being out at the same time, we were trying to really plug holes in this rotation. He felt pretty good and so we pressed him a little bit and he tried to pitch through it. I think this time we're probably going to be more patient."
Looking Ahead
The Astros will have a chance to further solidify their standing as they embark on a 10-game road trip following Thursday's off-day. The challenging trip includes series against the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. Notably, the Blue Jays series will be a four-game set, while the Mets and Twins series are three games each.
This upcoming stretch is pivotal for Houston as they continue to navigate injuries and aim to stay competitive in the division race. With the rotation still in flux, the team will rely heavily on both its offense and bullpen to sustain the momentum built over the past few weeks.
As the season progresses, the resilience and adaptability of the Astros will be tested. The ability of the pitching staff to hold up despite the injuries and the hustle of the hitters to propel the team forward will be crucial in determining if the Astros can maintain their recent form and make a legitimate push for the postseason.
For Astros fans, the recent surge has provided hope and a renewed sense of optimism. After languishing near the bottom of the standings for much of the season, the team’s recent performance has been a breath of fresh air. As they hit the road, the Astros will look to continue their winning ways and build on the newfound momentum.