Astros Return to .500, Continue Impressive Turnaround
The Houston Astros are back on even ground, achieving a .500 record for the first time this season. This milestone was reached on Wednesday afternoon as they completed a two-game sweep against the Colorado Rockies, improving their record to 40-40.
This victory marked the Astros' seventh consecutive win, a significant accomplishment given their rocky start to the season. After beginning the season with an 0-4 record, Houston found itself at a dismal 7-19 by April 25. However, a resurgence in June has been the cornerstone of their comeback. Entering the month with a 25-33 record, the Astros have subsequently won 15 of their last 22 games.
Wednesday's triumph not only extended their winning streak but also positioned them just 4.5 games behind the division leader. The resurgence has the Astros eyeing a more competitive stance as they push into the latter half of the season.
Pitching Performance Highlights
Spencer Arrighetti was a key figure in the latest win, delivering a masterful performance by holding the Rockies lineup scoreless over seven innings. Arrighetti also struck out a career-high 10 batters, exemplifying the kind of pitching dominance the Astros will need as they navigate their injury-laden roster.
The Astros' pitching staff has faced considerable adversity this season. Right-hander J.P. France is scheduled to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, capping a challenging year where he posted a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. This follows a more promising 2022 season when France recorded a 3.83 ERA across 136 1/3 innings.
The rotation has been further weakened by the losses of Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. To compound these woes, Justin Verlander is sidelined with a neck issue, with no clear timetable for his return.
Manager Joe Espada emphasized the careful approach the team is adopting with injured players. "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," General Manager Dana Brown explained regarding Verlander's situation. "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 this, Espada mentioned that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still recovering from last year's elbow surgeries, leaving the Astros' rotation vulnerable. Overall, the rotation has put up a 4.26 ERA this season, ranking 18th in Major League Baseball. For significant stretches, Houston's pitching has been among the bottom five in the league in ERA.
Upcoming Road Trip
Following an off-day on Thursday, the Astros are set to embark on a grueling 10-game road trip. The journey will involve three series: three games against the New York Mets, four against the Toronto Blue Jays, and three against the Minnesota Twins. The outcomes of these games could play a crucial role in defining the trajectory of their season.
The Astros have shown remarkable resilience, turning a seemingly hopeless season around. With their recent string of victories and a return to .500, they have reignited hopes for a successful campaign. As the team navigates injuries and an intense schedule, maintaining this momentum will be key.