The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, achieving a 40-40 mark after a decisive two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon. This victory also marked their seventh consecutive win, signaling a resurgence for a team that stumbled out of the gates at 0-4.
Since entering June with a dismal 25-33 record, the Astros have found some form, winning 15 of their last 22 games and moving within 4.5 games of the division lead. Much of this recent success can be attributed to robust performances like the one delivered by Spencer Arrighetti, who held the Rockies scoreless across seven innings and set a career-high by striking out 10 batters. This kind of performance has been a welcome sight for Houston, especially given their rotation's struggles throughout the season.
Injuries Plague Astros' Pitching Staff
The Astros' pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries this season. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, capping off a disappointing season where he posted a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. This is a stark contrast to last season, where France maintained a respectable 3.83 ERA across 136 1/3 innings.
France is not alone in his struggles. The Astros have also lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. Additionally, Justin Verlander, who has a neck issue, remains sidelined with no clear timetable for his return. Manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown have openly discussed the challenges the team faces in managing these injuries.
"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 mentioned in a pregame show, addressing 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."
Espada also noted that Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still recovering from last year's elbow surgeries, further compounding the strain on the rotation.
Rotation Woes
These injuries have had a significant impact on the Astros' rotation, which currently holds a 4.26 ERA, ranking 18th in baseball. For much of the season, the Astros have languished near the bottom in team ERA rankings, an uncharacteristic position for the franchise.
The bright spot amid these challenges has been the team's recent form. The Astros have managed to string together wins, showing resilience and determination despite their setbacks. As the team prepares for an off-day on Thursday, they will be gearing up for a pivotal 10-game road trip, where they are slated to face the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series will feature four games, while the Mets and Twins series will include three games each.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the Astros' mettle as they continue to navigate a season rife with adversity. However, with the team's recent surge and the promising performance of players like Arrighetti, there is reason for cautious optimism as Houston aims to stay competitive in the division race.
As the season progresses, the Astros will need to rely on both the resilience shown in recent weeks and the gradual return of key players from injury. The road ahead is challenging, but if Houston's recent form is any indication, the team is more than capable of overcoming the hurdles that lie before them.