The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to an even record, marking a significant milestone in their tumultuous season. The Astros achieved a balanced 40-40 record on Wednesday afternoon by completing a two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies. This win extended their current winning streak to seven games, an impressive turnaround for a team that began the season with an 0-4 slump.
Since entering June with a challenging 25-33 record, the Astros have managed to reverse their fate, securing victories in 15 of their last 22 games. This surge in performance has brought them within 4.5 games of the division lead, a position that seemed unattainable just a couple of months ago. Reflecting on their struggles, the Astros had a dire 7-19 record as of April 25, making their comeback all the more remarkable.
Pitching Performance Propels Astros
A cornerstone of Houston's recent success has been stellar pitching, exemplified by Spencer Arrighetti's commanding performance against the Rockies. Arrighetti held the Rockies' lineup scoreless over seven innings, striking out a career-high 10 batters. His dominance on the mound was vital in securing the win and further cemented his role as a key player in the Astros' rotation.
However, the Astros' pitching staff has faced significant challenges this season. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is slated for season-ending shoulder surgery. France, who struggled with a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A, will not return this season. Last year, France posted a much-improved 3.83 ERA over 136 1/3 innings, making his early departure this season all the more disappointing.
Earlier this month, the Astros also lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery, adding to their rotation woes. Additionally, Justin Verlander is currently sidelined with a neck issue, and his return date remains uncertain. Speaking on the injuries, GM Dana Brown reflected, "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," Brown told the team's pregame show. "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."
Adding to the rotation's instability, Manager Joe Espada noted that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still recuperating from last year's elbow surgeries. This leaves the Astros with a patched-up rotation that has managed a 4.26 ERA this year, placing them 18th in baseball. For much of the season, the Astros have been among the bottom five teams concerning ERA, making their recent success even more impressive.
Looking Ahead
Following an off-day on Thursday, the Astros are gearing up for a challenging 10-game road trip. They will face the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series is set for four games, whereas both the Mets and the Twins series will feature three games each. This trip represents a crucial stretch for the Astros as they aim to build on their momentum and continue closing in on the division lead.
The resilience and persistence of the Houston Astros have been put to the test this season, but with an even record and a seven-game winning streak, they have demonstrated their capacity to overcome adversity. As they head into a daunting road trip, the Astros will need to draw on all their reserves to maintain their upward trajectory and keep their playoff aspirations alive.