The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to a .500 record for the first time this season, marking a significant turnaround with a 40-40 record after a slow start. The team accomplished this milestone on Wednesday by sweeping a two-game series against the Colorado Rockies, extending their winning streak to seven games.
For a team that began the season with an 0-4 record and was struggling at 7-19 as late as April 25, their resurgence has been impressive. Entering June with a 25-33 record, the Astros have since won 15 of their last 22 games, pulling within 4.5 games of the division lead.
A Strong Outing from Arrighetti
Key to Wednesday's victory was Spencer Arrighetti, who delivered a standout performance. Arrighetti held the Rockies scoreless over seven innings and struck out a career-high 10 batters. His sudden rise has provided a much-needed boost to an Astros rotation that has faced numerous challenges this season.
Injury Woes in the Rotation
The Astros' pitching staff has been plagued by injuries. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. France struggled with a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. This marks a significant downturn from last year, when he posted a respectable 3.83 ERA in 136 1/3 innings.
France isn’t the only pitcher on the shelf. Cristian Javier and José Urquidy were lost to Tommy John surgery earlier this month, and Justin Verlander is currently sidelined with a neck issue, with no timetable for his return. Manager Joe Espada noted, "Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still working their way back from last year's elbow surgeries."
General Manager Comments on France
GM Dana Brown provided some insight into the situation regarding France's injury. "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 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."
Middle of the Pack in ERA
Despite their current upswing, the Astros' rotation has struggled for much of the season, posting a 4.26 ERA, which ranks 18th in baseball. For long stretches, the team was among the bottom five teams in the ERA category, highlighting the instability and challenges they have faced in maintaining a solid starting rotation.
Upcoming Road Trip
After an off-day on Thursday, the Astros will begin a crucial 10-game road trip. They will face off against the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The series against the Blue Jays will be a four-game set, while the matchups against the Mets and Twins will each be three games. This road trip could be a pivotal stretch for the Astros as they aim to continue their push toward the top of the division.
Overall, the Astros have shown resilience and determination in battling back to a .500 record. With key pitchers working their way back from injuries and a tough road trip ahead, the Astros will need to maintain their momentum to stay in the hunt for the postseason. Their recent performance has given fans hope, but the challenges of the season are far from over. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Astros can continue their ascent or if they will face further setbacks.