The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, achieving a 40-40 standing after their decisive victory against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon. This victory was not just any win; it marked the culmination of a two-game sweep and extended their winning streak to an impressive seven games.
It's been a turbulent season for the Astros, who began their campaign with a discouraging 0-4 start. By April 25, the team was languishing at a dismal 7-19. However, resilience seems to be the theme for this team. As they entered June with a 25-33 record, few predicted the turnaround that followed. Winning 15 of their last 22 games, the Astros have displayed tenacity and skill that have brought them within 4.5 games of the division lead.
A Pitching Gem
Wednesday's game highlighted the stellar performance of Spencer Arrighetti, who held the Rockies scoreless across seven innings. Arrighetti not only kept the opposition at bay but also recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts, an impressive feat that secured the team's seventh consecutive win. His performance on the mound has been a bright spot in a season otherwise marred by injuries to key pitchers.
Injury Woes
The Astros’ pitching depth has been severely tested this year. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. France, who had a difficult start this season with a 7.46 ERA in five starts, had been demoted to Triple-A in an attempt to address his struggles. This comes after a reasonably strong showing last year, where France posted a 3.83 ERA over 136 1/3 innings.
The Astros' injury list doesn’t end there. Earlier this month, they lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery, sidelining them for the foreseeable future. Adding to the woes, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is currently grappling with a neck issue, with no clear timetable for his return. Manager Joe Espada provided an update, noting that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still recuperating from last year's elbow surgeries, further straining the rotation.
The collective impact of these absences has been significant. The Astros' rotation has managed a 4.26 ERA thus far, placing them 18th in baseball. For much of the season, they have found themselves among the bottom five teams in the ERA category.
Looking Forward
General Manager Dana Brown has reflected on the challenges inherent in managing such a beleaguered rotation. "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 said in 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."
Following a well-earned off day on Thursday, the Astros are set to embark on a challenging 10-game road trip. Their itinerary includes matchups against the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. They will face the Blue Jays over a four-game series, with three-game series against both the Mets and Twins. This road trip will be a critical test for the team's depth and resilience as they aim to build on their recent momentum.
As the Astros navigate these ups and downs, their journey this season serves as a testament to their determination and the unpredictable nature of baseball. While the path ahead is fraught with hurdles, the recent winning streak provides a glimmer of hope for a team that has often found itself grappling with adversity.