It’s been a sluggish season for the Houston Astros, filled with ups, downs, injuries and surprises. Yet it’s time for the Astros to make a postseason push. Yes, even though it’s the middle of August.
Looking back at the team’s overall performance in the past few years shows Houston knows how to get to the World Series. A solid mix of timely hitting and excellent pitching have put the Astros atop the Major League Baseball universe at times. A.J. Hinch and Dusty Baker were able to lead the team into baseball’s promised land.
Houston Astros Adjust Their Lineup
Of course, the 2017 title was tainted by cheating allegations. That’s given Houston Astros opponents’ fans plenty of fodder for booing second baseman Jose Altuve mercilessly for seven years. Nevertheless, Houst0n has been a postseason fixture season after season.
Now, what in the world must the Astros do to get there this season? They made tweaks to their lineup, bringing up the now-traded Joey Loperfido, Zach Dezenzo, and Pedro Leon. The Astros parted ways with first baseman Jose Abreu, who never matched his previous success with the Chicago White Sox. A hobbled pitching staff, missing injured Justin Verlander, has been held up thanks to Spencer Arrighetti, Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco.
Thankfully, Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acquired Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays in an MLB deadline trade. He’s looked pretty sharp in his first two Astros starts, giving a beleaguered starting staff some relief. And speaking of relief, Josh Hader has 25 straight saves this season. He’s been solid for the most part. Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly, who moved out of the closer’s role with Hader’s signing, have been more than adequate.
Astros Offense Could Pick Up Pace
What about the Astros’ offense? It’s been on an up-and-down roller coaster at times. Altuve has been among the Top 10 in American League batting average leaders. Yordan Alvarez appears to have found his home run swing. He’s been turning Fenway Park into a personal batting cage as the Astros finish up a three-game series on Sunday in Boston.
Alex Bregman has not been his usually strong self in the batter’s box. But he’s been consistently working to level out his swing, instead of taking upper-cut shots on pitches. Jon Singleton, who took over everyday first-base duties upon Abreu’s exit, has provided a punch to the Astros’ offense. Yanier Diaz and Mauricio Dubon have not been silent when it comes to hitting as well.
Chas McCormick has struggled mightily this season, striking out more than making solid contact. If he can find his stroke going down the stretch, then his offense will be most welcome.
Entering Sunday’s action, the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners were tied atop the AL West Division standings. The Mariners made some moves to help them in August and September. Astros fans know, though, that Houston has had Seattle’s number in postseason play. Defending World Series champion Texas is behind both the Astros and Mariners. Fans cannot count them out, either, down the stretch.
Getting Verlander and, possibly, Luis Garcia back among Houston Astros starting pitchers will be a great asset. Verlander, whose just putting the final touches on a Baseball Hall of Fame career, would be well rested.
When it comes to postseason play, the Astros have proven that they know how to get there. This season, though, has been testy at times. First-year manager Joe Espada has done his best to keep Houston focused on the big prize. Seeing if they can get all the way to another World Series title will be worth watching.
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