The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, completing a notable turnaround with a 40-40 record. This accomplishment was highlighted by their recent two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies, cementing a seven-game winning streak.
The Astros' season began on a dismal note, losing their first four games and recording a 7-19 record by April 25. However, a surge in performance since entering June with a 25-33 record has seen them win 15 of their last 22 games, placing them within 4.5 games of the division lead. The resiliency of the team is evident as they continue their fight in the standings.
Wednesday's game was marked by a stellar performance from Spencer Arrighetti, who held the Rockies scoreless over seven innings, striking out a career-high 10 batters. This performance provided a needed spark amidst the turmoil facing the Astros' pitching staff.
The Astros' rotation has encountered significant setbacks this season. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. France, who posted a 7.46 ERA in five starts this year, had previously been demoted to Triple-A. Last season, he had a 3.83 ERA in 136 1/3 innings, showing his potential when healthy.
Adding to the pitching woes, the Astros have already lost Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month, and ace Justin Verlander is currently sidelined with a neck issue. There is no timetable for Verlander’s return, adding to the uncertainty of the rotation's stability and effectiveness. Manager Joe Espada conveyed optimism tempered with caution regarding the return of injured players. "Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still working their way back from last year's elbow surgeries," Espada noted, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the team.
The Astros’ rotation has posted a 4.26 ERA this year, currently ranked 18th in Major League Baseball. Earlier in the season, they found themselves languishing among the bottom five teams in ERA, showcasing the struggle within their pitching staff. General Manager Dana Brown reflected on the approach taken with 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," Brown shared 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."
The road ahead for the Astros remains challenging as they prepare to embark on a 10-game road trip following an off-day on Thursday. They will face the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series will consist of four games, while the Mets and Twins series will be three games each. This extended road trip could play a pivotal role in determining the course of their season.
The Astros’ recent resurgence is a testament to their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As they continue to navigate injuries and setbacks within their pitching staff, their performance on the field reflects a team fighting to remain competitive and stay within striking distance of the division lead. Whether this momentum can be sustained through their challenging road trip will be a critical test for the Astros as they strive to build on their .500 record and aim for a successful second half of the season.