Those capabilities are also why I lean towards Meyers over McCormick for the starter role in centerfield. The inclusion of Siri is probable considering the threat he represents on the basepaths and his defensive capabilities. The outfield has a glut of options that are better defensively - and most likely offensively - than Gonzalez in McCormick, Meyers, and possibly Jose Siri. Honestly, I am not sure if Marwin Gonzalez makes the postseason roster this time around. The BenchĪledmys Díaz is a bygone conclusion. If anything, Odorizzi's numbers in the past month - 2.76 ERA/2.74 FIP in 16 1⁄ 3 innings - might tip the scales to his favor compared to Urquidy and Greinke. I think it is fair to wonder, even if Greinke is activated in time for the ALDS, would the Astros feel comfortable starting him in a Game 4 situation? Jose Urquidy and Jake Odorizzi haven't been the most consistent, but recent performances will likely hold some sway in the final decision. I'll probably elaborate more about the postseason rotation next week, especially with how Zack Greinke's trip to the IL alters the equation. ![]() Starting RotationĪs it currently stands, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and Framber Valdez are the only starters I'd pencil in for the ALDS at this time. Right now, I give the edge to Meyers as the starter with both offense and defense considered, but the previous eight games may cement the final answer for the postseason. Also, Meyers has drawn seven walks compared to nine strikeouts, while McCormick only has one walk compared to 14 strikeouts in the last two weeks. 400 BABIP during the last two weeks is unsustainable, while Meyers'. For example, McCormick has a 112 wRC+ in his last 43 plate appearances compared to Meyers at 90 in his previous 42. ![]() As is the case with small samples, it is hard to put too much stock into many numbers. In the last two weeks - 14 games - the Astros have used a combination of Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers to patrol center field. Below is my stab at the three positions in which we could see some deviation from the usual. While specific positions are already set in stone, there are positions where the Astros may have to ponder more than others. The pressing concern for the club isn't necessarily qualifying for the postseason instead, it is how management best optimizes the roster. Regardless, Houston still has a 99.9 percent chance to clinch the division for the fourth time in five seasons, barring a collapse of epic proportions. It was an ugly affair of a baseball game, and it's best to leave it in the past as much as possible. Houston now reduces their magic number to 1, leaving open the possibility of clinching the American League West division late Tuesday night if the Mariners lose to the Athletics.Ĭopyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.The Astros' magic number to clinch the AL West division remains three games following last night's.you know, let's not rehash that debacle. Jose Altuve tied the game 2-2 in the eighth inning with his 31st homer of the season before Arozarena hit his home run and before the Astros closed things out with back-to-back bases-loaded walks for the win. Houston would breakthrough in the sixth inning with an Alex Bregman solo home run, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Astros had trailed most of the game after being no-hit in the first five innings by Rays starting pitcher Michael Wacha. ![]() This came after Randy Arozarena had hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning of the Astros’ Phil Maton to give Tampa the 3-2 lead. That capped off a comeback from a 3-2 deficit and followed a bases-loaded walk just one at-bat earlier by Chas McCormick that had brought in the game-tying run. Houston defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 with a walk-off, bases-loaded walk by Jason Castro in the bottom of the ninth inning. HOUSTON – The Houston Astros edged closer to clinching their division title, and they did so in dramatic fashion.
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