The Houston Astros have displayed remarkable resilience on the mound this season. Despite a slew of injuries to key starting pitchers, they have managed to stay competitive. With the All-Star break on the horizon, the Astros are looking forward to a much-needed rest and the return of some key players.
Overcoming Injuries
The Astros have seen seven starting pitchers, including José Urquidy, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France, sidelined due to injuries in the first half of the season. These setbacks have forced the team to rely heavily on their bullpen. During their last road trip, the Astros had to play two bullpen games. In these games, relief pitcher Shawn Dubin served as an opener, pitching two to three innings before the rest of the relief staff took over. Despite these challenges, the Astros have managed a respectable 6-4 record on the road, bringing them within two games of the American League West lead. They won both bullpen games, defeating the New York Mets on June 30 and the Minnesota Twins on Friday.
Optimism on the Horizon
Help might be on the way for the Astros’ pitching staff. In a recent interview with SportsTalk 790’s Matt Thomas, Astros manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about the potential return of pitcher Jake Bloss to the rotation. “We’re going to see [Jake Bloss] today,” Espada said. “We wanted to see him yesterday, but Hurricane Beryl had other plans. I expect him to be fine with pitching this week. But I want to make sure that we see him today. He plays catch today, and then we can plan accordingly.”
Bloss’ Anticipated Return
Espada later confirmed to reporters that Bloss would start Thursday against the Miami Marlins if he feels good on Wednesday, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. Bloss made his MLB debut on June 21 but had to leave the mound with shoulder inflammation after pitching 3 2/3 innings. During that game, he allowed two earned runs on six hits, struck out two, and walked one. Despite the setback, Bloss quickly climbed the minor-league ranks after the Astros selected him in the third round of the 2023 MLB draft. He tossed 6 1/3 innings in a combined no-hitter for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks, which earned him a call-up to the majors. Unfortunately, the Astros placed him on the 15-day injured list on June 22, the day after his MLB debut, due to “discomfort,” although his shoulder showed no structural damage.
Bloss’ Rehab Progress
Bloss made a promising rehab start for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Saturday, his first start at the Triple-A level. He pitched four scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three without issuing a walk. Given his usual pitching schedule of every five to six days, he could be available to pitch either Thursday or Friday this week.
Looking Ahead
The return of Jake Bloss could provide the Astros with a significant boost and resilience as they aim to overcome their pitching challenges. With the All-Star break approaching, the team hopes to regroup and come back stronger for the second half of the season. The Astros’ ability to stay competitive despite their injury woes is a testament to their depth and resilience. As they await the return of their injured pitchers, the Astros remain focused on maintaining their position in the American League West and making a strong push for the playoffs.
The Houston Astros have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of adversity this season. Despite numerous injuries to their starting pitchers, they have managed to stay competitive and are within striking distance of the American League West lead. With the potential return of Jake Bloss and the upcoming All-Star break, the Astros are poised to make a strong push in the second half of the season.