The Houston Astros have managed to claw their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, achieving a 40-40 standing after a two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon. This victory marks a seven-game winning streak for the team, a significant turnaround considering their rocky start.
The Astros began the season on a low note, losing their initial four matches. As of April 25, their record stood at a discouraging 7-19. However, the team has shown resilience, winning 15 out of their last 22 games since entering June with a 25-33 record. This upward trajectory has moved them within 4.5 games of the division lead, a promising position as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
Wednesday’s game was highlighted by a stellar performance from Spencer Arrighetti, who held the Rockies scoreless over seven innings. Arrighetti struck out a career-high 10 batters, providing a boost to a rotation that has faced significant challenges this season. The team's rotation has posted a 4.26 ERA, placing them 18th in baseball, and they have struggled in the ERA category for much of the season, often ranking among the bottom five teams.
Injury Woes
This season has not been without its setbacks. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, a decision made necessary after posting a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. Last year, France showed promise with a 3.83 ERA over 136 1/3 innings, raising hopes for a rebound that, unfortunately, will have to wait until next season.
France’s surgery is the latest in a string of injuries affecting the Astros’ rotation. Earlier this month, the team lost both Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, veteran ace Justin Verlander is currently sidelined with a neck issue, and there is no clear timetable for his return.
Manager Joe Espada has also provided updates on Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr., both of whom are recovering from elbow surgeries performed last year. "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," said General Manager Dana Brown, referring to one of their injured pitchers. "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."
Upcoming Challenges
The Astros will have a day off on Thursday before embarking on a critical 10-game road trip. They are slated to face off against the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series spans four games, while the Mets and Twins series will cover three games each. This road trip presents both challenges and opportunities for the Astros as they aim to build on their recent momentum and close the gap in the division standings.
The resilience and adaptability shown by the Astros in the face of their numerous challenges have been commendable. As their rotation continues to be a work in progress with various pitchers working their way back from injuries, the team's ability to stay competitive will be crucial. Their journey moving forward will be one to watch closely, as they aim to capitalize on their current streak and overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
The current trajectory indicates that the Astros are far from ready to relinquish their quest for another playoff berth. With key players hopefully returning in the near future and the team finding a rhythm, Houston’s baseball faithful have reasons to stay optimistic about the season's potential outcomes.