Houston Astros Injury Report – As the Houston Astros opened their series against the San Diego Padres, there were a few Astros under the microscope for injuries. This comes on the heels of Houston trying to build on its recent strong play while juggling a roster that has had its share of health concerns this season. The Astros had lost two of three to the Toronto Blue Jays before heading to San Diego.
Houston’s Pitching Depth Still Counts
The Astros have needed to be very strategic with their pitching staff all season long and so the health of available starters and relievers has been especially important. Houston’s rotation has dealt with a couple of injury absences, and the returning pitchers have had their workloads handled carefully.
Ronel Blanco was slated to start the series opener against San Diego. The right-hander entered the matchup looking to give length to an Astros team that has leant more and more on its bullpen during stretches of the season.
Key Players Still Being Monitored
Houston’s injury situation is a mixed bag, with players coming back from a variety of issues and players who may or may not be available on any given night. The team has been cautious with players returning from the injured list, especially pitchers who are recovering from arm and elbow injuries.
The Astros have dealt with significant absences of players like Cristian Javier and others in the pitching staff before. Extra pitching depth could be important in the second half of the season and their recovery timelines have been closely watched.
Astros Offence Offers Positive Update
Outside of injury issues, there was one positive for Houston’s offence in the opening game against San Diego. Cam Smith belted a pair of solo homers, his 14th and 15th of the season, to help the Astros to a 6-3 win over the Padres.
Christian Walker and Yordan Alvarez also contributed with a little offence, and Jeremy Peña had a big RBI in eighth. Then the Astros’ bullpen took care of business, combining for more than four scoreless innings.
Houston Seeks to Build Momentum
The victory against San Diego extended a good run for Houston, which had won 13 of its last 16 games before the contest. That recent stretch has only made it more important to keep key players healthy as the Astros push through the second half of the regular season.
Once the Padres series starts, the medical updates in Houston will be key to determining lineup combinations, pitching plans and bullpen usage. The team will probably continue to manage workloads closely while trying to keep its best available roster on the field.
Padres series tests Astros’ depth
The San Diego series is another challenge for Houston’s depth. The Padres are a competitive team with good players throughout their lineup, so solid pitching and healthy position players will be especially important for the Astros.
In the end, Houston won the series opener 6-3, providing the team with another positive despite the injury concerns. The continuing absence of players still in the recovery process could impact manager Joe Espada’s starting lineup and pitching staff as the series progresses.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports – Houston Astros injury report heading into San Diego Padres series.
- Reuters – Astros beat Padres; top players. Recap of game.
- ESPN – Astros vs. Padres Game Coverage & Matchup Information.
- MLB – Houston Astros official injury list and roster info.
