For as much complaining as I’ve done this season about the pitching staff, particularly the rotation, it may not be their fault if the Astros don’t qualify for the postseason. Or, more accurately, not entirely their fault. Instead, the lineup is my main focus at this moment as the last ten games occur.
To state the obvious, the Astros have an incredibly top-heavy lineup. And if Yordan Alvarez and/or Jeremy Peña aren’t performing, well, we’ve seen the results. For example, in September, Houston has the lowest on-base percentage in baseball (.288). Their best hitter? Yainer Diaz by wRC+ (177). Of the regulars, only Diaz, Isaac Paredes, and Yordan Alvarez have an above-average wRC+ this month. Jose Altuve and Christian Walker, of the four hitters with at least 50 plate appearances, have a 62 and 15 wRC+.
That’s bleak.
If this team wants to qualify for the postseason and do anything of substance, the lineup will need to pull its weight. It did that earlier in the season when Alvarez was otherworldly and the rest of the hitters weren’t dreadful. And it could happen again over these final games. Am I hopeful, though? Not so much at this moment.
The next ten games hold a lot of weight for Houston. We already know changes are coming to the organization with Dana Brown now gone. The odds feel high from the outside looking in that Joe Espada won’t be back. But, frankly, this team qualifying for the postseason is an accomplishment in itself, driven primarily to who is in the division. But someone has to win it. Whether the lineup assists in that pursuit is a crucial point.
Royals @ Astros Game Information and Gamethread Details
Struggling lineup or not, the Astros also don’t have a lot of trusted options to start games. Even Hunter Brown has been far from great this season. A bullpen game with Miguel Ullola opening is the best option available, with Ethan Pecko hopefully being able to absorb some innings. It worked in Tampa, so let’s hope it works again.
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