The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season. On Wednesday, the team notched their 40th win by completing a two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies, bringing their record to 40-40.
This victory marks the extension of the Astros' longest winning streak of the season, now standing at seven games. It's a remarkable turnaround for a team that began the season with four straight losses. As of April 25, the Astros were struggling with a 7-19 record. However, since the start of June, they have shown significant improvement, winning 15 of their last 22 games.
The latest win has moved Houston to within 4.5 games of the division lead, a significant milestone for a team that has battled through a slew of injuries this season. On the mound, Spencer Arrighetti delivered a standout performance on Wednesday, holding the Rockies scoreless through seven innings and striking out a career-high 10 batters.
While the Astros have found a groove offensively, their pitching rotation has been plagued by injuries. Recently, right-handed pitcher J.P. France was announced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. France had struggled this season with a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. This comes on the heels of a more promising previous season where he posted a 3.83 ERA in 136 1/3 innings.
France’s injury is just one of several that have troubled the Astros' rotation. Cristian Javier and José Urquidy were lost to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. Additionally, Justin Verlander remains sidelined with a neck issue, and there is currently no timetable for his return. Manager Joe Espada has expressed concern about rushing players back from injury, noting that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still in the recovery process from last year’s elbow surgeries.
General Manager Dana Brown offered insight into the team's cautious approach moving forward. "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 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."
The Astros have had to rely heavily on their depth to cover the gaps, resulting in a rotation that posts a 4.26 ERA, ranking 18th in baseball. For much of the season, the Astros have been among the bottom five teams in ERA, underscoring the challenges they have faced on the mound.
Houston’s current standing is a testament to their resilience and capability to adjust despite adversity. As they prepare for an off-day on Thursday, the Astros are looking ahead to a challenging 10-game road trip. They will face the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series will be a four-game set, followed by three-game series against both the Mets and the Twins.
With key players still on the mend and an intense schedule ahead, the Astros will need to maintain their recent momentum and rely on both their experienced leaders and emerging talents. Their ability to stay competitive will hinge on their depth and adaptability as they navigate an unforgiving road ahead.
Manager Joe Espada and General Manager Dana Brown’s strategy of exercising caution for their injured players could hold the key to ensuring long-term stability for the team. As Espada reiterated, the focus remains on pacing the recovery of Garcia and McCullers: "Manager Joe Espada mentioned earlier this week that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still working their way back from last year's elbow surgeries."
With a recalibrated approach to player recovery and a renewed sense of determination, the Houston Astros are poised to make every game count as they continue their quest for the top of the division standings.