Since the All-Star break, the Astros have been on an absolute tear, especially when you consider they dropped their first three games to the Orioles at home. After that, they went 10-1 including six straight, catapulting themselves into first place in the AL West and just a couple games out of the second seed in the American League playoff picture.
In the most important week of the season, the Astros swept the Angels and the Rangers. On the eve of the trade deadline, where rumors are already flying about the Astros making deals and the Rangers and Mariners possibly becoming sellers, it feels like a complete reversal of fortune since the disastrous start to the season.
The streak has been propelled by a combination of improved starting pitching, a much better bullpen, and scorching play at the plate from the first three in the lineup. The Astros have the best record in the majors since May 22.
Over the weekend, they outscored the Rangers 23-9 getting key contributions from starters Hunter Brown and Peter Lambert, and shutdown efforts from the ‘pen.
The Astros 1-2-3 lineup of Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes has been on a torrid stretch. Peña was the AL Player of the Week with an OPS north of 1100 and five homers since the break. Alvarez continues to lead in the Triple Crown race, ahead in average, home runs and RBIs among numerous other offensive stats. And Paredes has found his form and forced teams to pitch to Alvarez whether they want to or not.
With the run, it seems likely the team and GM Dana Brown will make some kind of deadline deal for another bat. The latest rumors involve Marlins lefty OF/1B Kyle Stowers. He could bring another big left-handed bat to the lineup.
It is clear the Astros will do what is necessary to make some kind of upgrades, but it won’t necessarily involve anyone on the big league roster. Reports indicate owner Jim Crane doesn’t want to deal from a team that is winning. Additionally, it appears the team’s most touted prospects are unlikely to be moved.
Given the kind of prospects we’ve seen in recent trades, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Astros could acquire some solid major league talent without having to break the bank.
Right now, they are firing on all cylinders in a division that seems to be ripe for the taking.
