With a 36-41 record and a -35 run differential, the Astros aren’t exactly a good team at the moment. In all honesty, with how this roster is constructed, they are likely close to an average team on paper. But in this year’s AL West, average might just be enough to win the division with how the first mathematical half of the season has unfolded.
However, that 8-18 record in April when Houston forgot how to pitch may ultimately determine the fate of this year’s team if things don’t take a sudden upswing. Yes, the Astros have progressed and played better baseball since May 1, but it doesn’t take much to improve upon April’s poor pitching. Here’s a breakdown of how this team has improved, and declined, in every month this season compared to other teams in baseball.
March and April
May
June (through 6/19)
As you can see, the Astros have slowly improved as the season has progressed. While the lineup hasn’t replicated their numbers from April, the pitching staff has continued to stabilize, with Hunter Brown and Josh Hader providing a much needed boost. While the established veterans will need to contribute at the plate, the growth of Cam Smith and Brice Matthews may ultimately determine the ceiling of this lineup.
The question about the Astros moving forward is whether this team has that next gear to take another step forward. A 26-21 record with a -9 run differential since May 1 is somewhat encouraging, but also reinforces that average label. Unfortunately, this organization doesn’t have the farm system required to substantially improve the team’s chances around the trade deadline. So, for better or worse, the Astros are banking on internal improvement to remain the postseason chase.
Guardians @ Astros Game Information and Gamethread Details
A good way to accomplish that goal is winning one of the next two games against the Guardians, ensuring that for the first time this season that the Astros win three series in a row. With Spencer Arrighetti on the mound as Saturday’s starter, one has to feel decent about those chances.
Cleveland will counter with Joey Cantillo, a lefty with an absolutely terrific changeup, especially against right-handed hitters.
The trick for the Astros is to do damage against Cantillo’s four-seam fastball, which has given him issues in the past. Opposing hitters, for example, slug .580 against it, and he throws it 40% of the time. Only four teams have a higher slugging percentage than Houston’s .469 this season.
The game will be broadcast at 6:15 p.m. CT on FOX with radio coverage on KBME 790 AM.
We hope you will join us and the rest of the Launch Angle community for the game! The turnout has been amazing on the TLA Discord Server for the game threads.
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Feature photo from Astros on X
