The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, a significant turnaround from their challenging start. On Wednesday afternoon, they completed a two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies, bringing their record to 40-40.
The victory marked the continuation of a seven-game winning streak. It’s an impressive feat considering the Astros started the season in a 0-4 hole, with a dismal 7-19 record by April 25. A remarkable resurgence has seen them win 15 of their last 22 games since entering June with a 25-33 record. This latest triumph positions them just 4.5 games away from the division lead.
Wednesday's win was underscored by a stellar performance from Spencer Arrighetti. The pitcher held the Rockies scoreless over seven innings, striking out a career-high 10 batters. Arrighetti’s dominant display is a bright spot for a team experiencing significant rotation challenges.
Rotational Challenges
Injuries have plagued the Astros' pitching staff this season. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after a tough start this year, where he posted a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. This is a significant departure from his 3.83 ERA across 136 1/3 innings last season.
The Astros have also lost both Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month, further depleting their rotation. Justin Verlander, who remains sidelined with a neck issue, has no clear timetable for his return. Additionally, Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still in the process of recovering from elbow surgeries performed last year.
Manager Joe Espada shared insights into the team's cautious approach with their injured pitchers. "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," GM Dana Brown explained on 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."
Statistical Considerations
The Astros' pitching rotation has managed a 4.26 ERA this year, ranking 18th in Major League Baseball. For much of the season, they've lingered among the bottom five teams in ERA, underlining the impact of their injuries and struggles on the mound.
Upcoming Road Trip
Following an off-day on Thursday, the Astros are set to embark on a challenging 10-game road trip. They will face the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series features four games, while the Mets and Twins series consist of three games each. This road trip could prove crucial for the Astros as they seek to maintain their upward trajectory and close the gap in their division.
Despite these obstacles, the Astros have showcased their resilience and ability to adapt, evident in their recent winning streak. The road ahead remains challenging, but their current form provides hope and excitement for what lies ahead.