The Houston Astros have clawed their way back to an even .500 record for the first time this season. The milestone was reached on Wednesday afternoon when they completed a two-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies, bringing their record to 40-40. This victory extended their winning streak to an impressive seven games, marking a significant turnaround from their tough start to the season.
Starting the year with an 0-4 record, the Astros faced seemingly insurmountable odds. By April 25, they were struggling with a dismal 7-19 record. However, June has been a transformative month for them. Entering June with a 25-33 record, the Astros managed to turn things around, winning 15 of their last 22 games. The latest win has moved them within 4.5 games of the division lead, offering a glimmer of hope for the rest of the season.
Key to their recent success has been the performance of pitcher Spencer Arrighetti. During Wednesday's game against the Rockies, Arrighetti delivered a stellar performance, holding the Rockies' lineup scoreless over seven innings and striking out a career-high 10 batters. This dominant showing by Arrighetti was a crucial factor in the Astros' victory, ensuring the team could maintain their winning momentum.
Despite their recent hot streak, the Astros have faced significant challenges with their pitching staff. Right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, following an underwhelming season where he posted a 7.46 ERA in five starts before being demoted to Triple-A. In contrast, France had shown promise last year, finishing the season with a 3.83 ERA over 136 1/3 innings.
The Astros' struggles with injuries don’t end there. The team's rotation has been hit hard with absences, including the loss of Cristian Javier and José Urquidy to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. Their ace, Justin Verlander, is currently out with a neck issue, and there is no timetable for his return. Manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown are urging caution. As Brown explained, “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. 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.”
Additionally, both Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still in recovery mode from elbow surgeries they underwent last year. As Espada noted earlier this week, they are still working their way back, underlining the ongoing challenges the Astros face with their pitching roster.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given their injury woes, the Astros' rotation has posted a 4.26 ERA this year, which ranks them 18th in baseball. For much of the season, they have found themselves among the bottom five teams in terms of ERA—a statistic they will need to improve if they hope to continue their climb up the standings.
The Astros now face a critical juncture in their season. Following an off-day on Thursday, they embark on a demanding 10-game road trip, with series against the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins. The Blue Jays series is a four-game set, while they will take on the Mets and Twins for three games each. This road trip will undoubtedly test the resilience and depth of Houston's roster as they aim to sustain their recent form.
The team’s resurgence offers a mix of hope and caution for Astros fans. While the immediate future looks challenging, the determination and recent performance of the squad provide solid grounds for optimism. If the Astros can navigate their injury issues and maintain their recent level of play, they may well find themselves in the thick of the playoff race as the season progresses.
In conclusion, the Astros' season has been a rollercoaster. From their flawed start to their current winning streak, they have shown that they are capable of bouncing back. With pivotal games coming up and players working towards recovery, the Astros' journey this season promises to be closely watched and intensely competitive.