Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros earning a 4-0 victory in the final game of a four-game road series against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday to avoid a sweep. Spencer Arrighetti started on the mound, pitching six scoreless innings and only allowing two hits and three walks while striking out eight in the best outing of his career. OTAs continued with new Texans, such as Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter, attending. Former Texans defensive tackle Amobi Okoye joins in-studio to preview the upcoming season and review the latest comments from quarterback C.J. Stroud's star teammates.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Astros losing three straight on the road against the Seattle Mariners with the latest defeat ending in a 2-1 final in the 10th inning on Wednesday. Justin Verlander started on the mound, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out nine in over seven innings. Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins to discuss the Astros falling to 24-32 on the season and 6.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. Stan and Chris comment on Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter attending Texans OTAs, predict Texans stat leaders for the upcoming season and more.
Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up to discuss the Astros losing three straight games on the road against the Seattle Mariners with the latest defeat ending in a 2-1 final in the 10th inning on Wednesday. Justin Verlander started on the mound, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out nine in over seven innings. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have also given the Astros quality starts in this series, but the bats have not been productive. When asked why the Astros offense is inconsistent, Bogusevic said "it's not any one thing," and "you've got to do the little things." The Astros fall to 24-32 on the season and 6.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. "It's fair to criticize anybody with a uniform on," but "I don't know what [Joe Espada] could do differently," Bogusevic said.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the Houston Astros losing 4-2 to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, making it two straight losses. The Astros are now 5.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. Hunter Brown started on the mound, allowing only one run on four hits and no walks while striking out nine in six innings. Even though Brown had one of his best performances of the season, things would unravel for the Astros as Ryan Pressly blew his fourth save of the season in the eighth inning. The Texans signed wide receiver Nico Collins to a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed with a maximum value of $75 million. KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins to break down the contract and discuss the futures of other current Texans.
KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins Next Up to provide more insight into the Houston Texans signing wide receiver Nico Collins to a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed with a maximum value of $75 million. "I saw it coming a long time ago," Wilson said. "It's a very good contract," and "it would have become much more expensive" if the Texans waited to let Collins explore free agency. Collins is now the seventh highest paid wide receiver currently in the NFL based on average annual value. "They're betting on his future." With Collins locked in, Wilson also discusses the futures of other current Texans, including Stefon Diggs, Tytus Howard, Christian Harris and more.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros winning two out of three games on the road against the Oakland Athletics to take the series; however, the Astros traveled to Seattle on Monday and dropped the first game against the Mariners. First baseman Jose Abreu returned to the lineup in Monday's 3-2 loss, recording an RBI single. The Astros demoted Abreu to the Florida Complex League on May 1 after batting .099 in 22 games. Abreu was sent to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday and went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in two games. Stan and Chris discuss the Texans odds to win the Super Bowl with 100 days left until the NFL's season opener, remember NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton and more.
Chris Gordy of Next Up, alongside Brian LaLima of The Sean Salisbury Show and Dan Mathews of The A-Team, preview the Houston Astros traveling to Oakland to take on the Athletics for a three-game series that will see Justin Verlander start on the mound Friday. The Astros received a slight bump in the AL West standings, currently 4.5 games back from the division lead, after the Texas Rangers have lost four straight and the Seattle Mariners have lost two in a row. The NCAA Board of Governors and every Power Five conference have agreed to a settlement in the House v. NCAA case that will create a new revenue sharing model, as well as compensate years of antitrust claims. The NCAA and conferences will pay $2.77 billion over 10 years to former and current college athletes dating back to 2016. Also, each school will be allowed to set aside up to $21 million in revenue to share with athletes each year. Chris, Brian and Dan also discuss the World Baseball Classic coming to Houston, predict when the automated strike zone will be implemented in MLB, react to Cougars football defying NFL legal threats by stating that their alternate blue uniforms is "drastically different" than those of the Houston Oilers and more.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the 10-game homestand where the Houston Astros went 7-3. The final game was a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, resulting in a series defeat. Hunter Brown had a quality start on the mound, giving up just two earned runs in six innings of work and striking out three. Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins to discuss the Astros getting a day off Thursday before traveling to Oakland to face the Athletics in a weekend series. Stan and Chris discuss the Texans continuing OTAs, review the first games of the NBA conference finals and more.
Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up to recap the 10-game homestand where the Astros went 7-3. However, the Astros dropped two of the final three games at Minute Maid Park, losing the series to the Los Angeles Angels. Hunter Brown had a quality start on the mound Wednesday, giving up just two earned runs in six innings of work, striking out three, but the Astros would lose 2-1. "I don't think it's fair to judge" the Astros right now as their season has been "incomplete" with injuries and inconsistent production, Bogusevic said. Right fielder Kyle Tucker has been on a recent tear, recording multiple homers in two of his last four games. Tucker currently leads MLB in home runs this season with 17. If the season ended today, "[Tucker] should be the AL MVP." While Tucker remains hot at the plate, Bogusevic says the Astros are "not going anywhere if there's only one guy" scoring runs. "It has to be a collective effort." Tucker has a $12 million, one-year deal and is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. With Yankees outfielder Juan Soto becoming a free agent following this season and signing a possible "market reset" deal, Tucker's contract extension could be a long-term agreement. "It's starting to get to a place where that number is huge," Bogusevic said. Jose Abreu was demoted to the Florida Complex League on May 1, but during the recent home series against the Milwaukee Brewers, general manager Dana Brown said Abreu will play a few more minor-league games and could join the Astros in Oakland this weekend. Jon Singleton has "given us more than I think anybody could have expected" at first base, but "you've got to at least give it one more chance" with Abreu.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Astros tying the series with the Los Angeles Angels following a 6-5 win Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. Kyle Tucker homered twice, while Yordan Alvarez and Jon Singleton recorded their own home runs to keep the Astros in the game after Cristian Javier gave up a season-high eight hits with four runs in four innings of work. Josh Hader pitched two scoreless innings to set up Jeremy Peña for a walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning. Hunter Brown will start on the mound for the series tiebreaker Wednesday. The Texans began OTAs Tuesday, and KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins to discuss who was and who wasn't present for day one.
KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins Next Up to recap the first day of OTAs for the Houston Texans. Danielle Hunter, Laremy Tunsil and Stefon Diggs did not attend, but newly acquired running back Joe Mixon, as well as wide receiver Tank Dell, were present and working on their chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Dell was a victim in a mass shooting three weeks ago in Florida, suffering a gunshot wound that traveled through his leg; however Dell was a full participant in the first day of OTAs. "I thought he looked great," and it "just shows his toughness and his heart" for wanting to get back to the practice field so quick after an injury, Wilson said. Wilson also reports that running back Dameon Pierce looks lean and in-shape, and Kenyon Green is working towards his full potential after injuries have plagued the former No. 15 overall pick. The Texans are "giving [Green] a chance to compete" for the left guard position. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher was selected at pick 59 out of Notre Dame, and Wilson says he "wouldn't be surprised" to see the rookie "play a lot of football this year."
Chris Gordy of Next Up, alongside Brian LaLima and Sean Salisbury of The Sean Salisbury Show, recap the Houston Astros losing 7-9 to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at Minute Maid Park. Framber Valdez started on the mound and set up the Astros with a 6-1 lead through four innings. However, the fifth inning brought trouble as Valdez gave up seven runs and sent 10 Angels to the plate. Valdez tied his career high for runs allowed with eight, and the Astros would lose 9-7, their largest blown lead of the season. Chris, Brian and Sean talk about Valdez and catcher Yainer Diaz not being on the same page, the Texans beginning OTAs and more.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the Houston Astros winning nine of their last 11 games following a 9-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday to clinch the weekend series 2-1. First baseman Jon Singleton went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Sunday. Singleton remained productive in the weekend series, recording five hits across 12 at-bats while also scoring a run. Singleton has started 18 of the last 19 games; however, general manager Dana Brown said José Abreu will play a few more minor-league games and could join the Astros in Oakland this weekend. Abreu was demoted to the Florida Complex League on May 1, and has since gone 2 for 9 with a double in two games, mostly working with the team's hitting instructors. If Abreu rejoins the Astros, will Singleton still receive most of the starts at first base? Spencer Arrighetti started on the mound Sunday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over 6.1 innings, earning six strikeouts. Sunday's start was the longest outing of Arrighetti's MLB career, and he now has two straight wins after starting 0-4. Kyle Tucker struck out in each of his first three at-bats, but after switching cleats, Tucker smashed a home run in each of his next two at bats, increasing his MLB-leading total to 15 home runs this season. Stan and Chris react to former Texans cornerback Steven Nelson mocking head coach DeMeco Ryans on social media, preview the NBA Conference Finals and more.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the Houston Astros winning nine of their last 11 games following a 9-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday to clinch the weekend series 2-1. First baseman Jon Singleton went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk Sunday. Singleton remained productive in the weekend series, recording five hits across 12 at-bats while also scoring a run. Singleton has started 18 of the last 19 games; however, general manager Dana Brown said José Abreu will play a few more minor-league games and could join the Astros in Oakland this weekend. Abreu was demoted to the Florida Complex League on May 1, and has since gone 2 for 9 with a double in two games, mostly working with the team's hitting instructors. If Abreu rejoins the Astros, will Singleton still receive most of the starts at first base?
Stan Norfleet of Next Up, alongside Dan Mathews of The A-Team and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show, react to the severe storms across Houston that have left over one million people without power. Prior to the final game of a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics, rain entered Minute Maid Park with 100 mph winds pushing debris outside the stadium. The Astros were able to start on time and eventually completed the series sweep against the A's, winning 8-1 Thursday. Cristian Javier started on the mound and recorded six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, bouncing back after allowing seven runs and five hits in just over one inning in his first game back from the injured list Saturday. Rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido hit his first career home run in a six-run third inning. The Astros are on a five-game win streak and have gone 12-6 in the last 18 games, moving into third place in the AL West. John Hickman of Locked On Texans joins Stan in-studio to preview the Texans schedule and make predictions for the season.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros defeating the Oakland Athletics 3-0 Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have won three out of the four-game series against the A's and are on a four-game win streak. Framber Valdez started on the mound and threw seven scoreless innings. Seth Martinez pitched in the remaining innings to combine for a two-hit shutout. Cristian Javier will start on the mound Thursday for the final game of the series. Ronel Blanco was ejected before the start of the fourth inning Tuesday when the third base umpire found a foreign substance on his glove. Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins to discuss Blanco receiving a 10-game suspension. The NFL released the regular season schedule, and the Texans begin their season on the road against a division opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. Houston Chronicle writer Jonathan Alexander joins to preview the Texans primetime games.
Houston Chronicle writer Jonathan Alexander joins Next Up to review the regular season schedule for the Houston Texans. The defending AFC South champions will begin their season on the road against a division opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans first primetime game will come in week two against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. "They should be able to get out to a fast start," Alexander said. The Texans have a late bye in week 14, and then face the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens back-to-back-to-back. "It really gets difficult in that second half." The Texans host the Ravens on Christmas Day and the broadcast will be on Netflix.
Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up following the Astros defeating the Oakland Athletics 3-0 Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have won three out of the four-game series against the A's and are on a four-game win streak. Framber Valdez started on the mound and threw seven scoreless innings. Seth Martinez pitched aided in last innings to combine for a two-hit shutout. The Astros got "Framber at his best," Bogusevic said. The Astros move to a 18-25 record and are 5.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. "It's still a deep hole to climb." Prior to the win streak, disgruntled fans were unhappy with the Astros slow start to the season, and first year manager Joe Espada was put to blame. However, Bogusevic values Espada's late-game decision-making. "It' all about matchups," and as a player, "you're looking for a sound approach to managing a game," and Espada has "inspired confidence" with his strategies. The Astros latest success against the A's is bittersweet because Ronel Blanco was ejected before the start of the fourth inning Tuesday when the third base umpire found a foreign substance on his glove. Blanco has since received a 10-game suspension. Bogusevic does not dispute that Blanco broke the rule, but pushes MLB to "make it more uniform" after similar instances around the league saw different results. "Enforcement creates a whole lot of grey area for something that should be black or white."
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Astros winning 2-1 over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday with Victor Caratini hitting an RBI single in the 10th inning. Caratini recorded another walk off after smashing a game-ending homer as a pinch hitter on April 30. Alex Bregman began the second inning with another home run after hitting two the previous night. Starting pitcher Ronel Blanco was ejected before the start of the fourth after the third base umpire checked his glove and found a foreign substance. Blanco will likely face a 10-game suspension. Stan and Chris comment on the Texans hosting the Baltimore Ravens for a Christmas Day game to be featured on Netflix, review the Astros trading Corey Julks to the Chicago White Sox and more.
Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros defeating the Oakland A's 9-2 in the first of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park. Third baseman Alex Bregman broke out of his recent slump, recording two homers and four RBIs. Spencer Arrighetti started on the mound and picked up his first Major League win, earning five strikeouts in five innings. The Rockets landed the No. 3 overall pick during the NBA draft lottery, making that four consecutive years the Rockets have a top-four pick in the draft. Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wire, joins to discuss whether the Rockets will draft a prospect or trade away the pick for a veteran player. Stan and Chris talk with KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson about Texans rookie minicamp, congratulate Julia Morales of Space City Home Network for making MLB history and more.