The Astros swept the Rangers out of Houston, keep the Silver Boot, but Yordan's boot is the upmost concern as the series against Seattle looms large.
After a losing roadtrip, the division lead slips to Seattle. Is Framber cooked? Altuve hurt, Paredes getting better?
After another weak offensive showing in Toronto, the Astros seem poised to lose a Division lead they've held for most of the season. But while the theme of the season has been the overwhelming amount of injuries, the lineup (outside of Parades) is pretty much intact down the stretch. So who's really to blame for the current state the team finds themselves in, and will it lead to wholesale changes in the offseason?
After getting Silver Boot'ed out of Arlington, Houston is left to figure out how to course-correct in time to salvage their top spot in the Division. What's the better option for Jose Altuve in the #3 hole? Is the number of arms on the IL with elbow inflammation the obvious red flag it appears?
Following the pitching implosion against the Yankees, the Astros head out on a crucial roadtrip that could tilt their Division chances in either direction. Is the rotation cooked? Where does the team go with Framber for the remainder of the season?
Examining Houston's inability to seize their softer schedule, the recent string of solid pitching performances, how does the organization address offense shortcomings without touching the coaching staff, and digging into the threat of the upcoming 3 series.
Astros take the series against Colorado by the slimmest of margins but all eyes have been on Yordan Alvarez who already looks back to form. With Luis Garcia's return on the horizon, and McCullers headed to the bullen, can Houston find enough good pitching to solidify their rotation and finish strong down the stretch?
The bats came alive in Baltimore but not before losing another leverage arm to the IL. Examining the concern levels for Houston's pitching depth, the Yordan domino effect, re-evaluating the trade deadline moves with hindsight, and the possibility of Divisional realignment.
Reacting to the Astros being on the wrong side of another sweep, the seriousness of Framber's recent performances, and Houston's primary variables to salvage this stretch.
The Astros head to Detroit reeling after getting embarrassed by the Orioles. The SCS crew examines how Houston still has the odds in their favor, how Joe Espada may juggle the returning starters, and whether this next 14 game stretch could ultimately decide whether the Astros could miss the postseason.
Things learned from the Red Sox series, discussing Abreu as the primary leverage option, and opportunities to rebuild a possible cushion in the Division race.
Breaking down the Astros big series win over the Yankees, Espada's manager-of-the-year chances, the heightened pressure on the bullpen, homecoming series in Houston, and the neck-and-neck race atop the AL West.
Reactions from the Marlines series. Is Houston now built for the offense to carry a bigger load while the starting pitching gets healthy? How critical is the upcoming series in the Bronx against a struggling Yankees team?
The excitement of the Correa trade was quickly quelled by a sweep in Boston. Can Houston's hitters become more patient hitters over 2/3rds into the season or will they live-and-die by early aggression? Do the Astros postseason hopes hinge on productive returns from 2 critical pieces of the starting rotation?
The Astros sent shockwaves though the MLB universe at the deadline by pulling off the unthinkable: bringing Carlos Correa back to Houston! The SCS crew react to Dana Brown's roster glow-up!
Has the Astros season magic finally been trumped by the underwhelming level of talent remaining on the roster? Have Hunter Brown and/or Cam Smith hit their season wall? Can Houston's GM afford to stand pat at the deadline given the increased level of concern regarding his team's ability to remain healthy?
Following a sweep of the Diamondbacks, the Astros find themselves neck-and-neck atop the AL. Examining the carousel of unlikely heroes that continue to power Houston's success, the cryptic Yordan update, a frustrating setback for Lance McCullers Jr, and revisiting the Astros' trade needs with new context.
Another series, another key player lost to the IL. What's the domino effect of losing Isaac Paredes while Houston awaits the return of Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez. And how much leash can the Astros front office continue to give embattled pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr?
Examining the Astros big swing in the Draft, whether the Seattle series could swing Division momentum, and what are GM Dana Brown's options for fixing first base?
Is Houston limping into the break a red flag about the depth of talent on the Astros roster? Reactions to GM Dana Brown's latest injury/rehab updates and timelines for returns. Examining the post All-Star Break schedule looking for advantages over the next several series.