Joe Espada Articles - Page 2

The Houston Astros are taking on the Atlanta Braves in the first of a three-game series with the hopes of remaining firmly in the AL West playoff hunt. With things coming down to the wire, the franchise called up prospect Zach Cole to the majors to provide a boost to the offense. He did just […]

The Houston Astros watched a two-run ninth-inning lead vanish Tuesday night to the Toronto Blue Jays, falling 4-3 in extra innings. After the game, manager Joe Espada delivered a scathing message to his clubhouse following what could be a pivotal loss in the AL West race. The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara shared on X, formerly […]

The Houston Astros received a mixed injury update on All-Star closer Josh Hader that could impact their postseason trajectory Thursday. While imaging shows his shoulder is healing, manager Joe Espada revealed Hader has yet to resume throwing. That delay adds uncertainty to the club’s bullpen struggles and raises questions about their ability to hold their […]

The Houston Astros are making a notable adjustment to their pitching strategy, and it involves Lance McCullers Jr. Astros manager Joe Espada announced that McCullers will work out of the bullpen for now, adding an experienced arm during a crucial stretch. However, this move comes with a catch. According to Brian McTaggart, Espada also revealed […]

The Houston Astros went from having a big lead in the American League West to fighting off their rivals. However, things just got more difficult for Joe Espada. The Astros manager is still waiting on Yordan Alvarez’s return, but now Taylor Trammel is also on the team’s injured list. However, the open roster spot gives […]

The Houston Astros are locked in a tight race atop the American League West, but one of their recent trade deadline additions has yet to find his rhythm. Outfielder Jesus Sanchez, acquired on deadline day to provide left-handed power and lineup depth, is stuck in an offensive slump he’s described as “weird.” As the team […]

As Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez continues to take steps towards a return, he has now received another huge update that makes his inevitable recovery almost to an end. With the Astros looking to take the AL West from the Seattle Mariners, getting back Alvarez will be crucial, but he first has to be on […]

The Houston Astros entered their weekend series at 68-53. Joe Espada’s team has lived near the top of the American League West all season. For the last few months, the Astros have led the division. However, Josh Hader’s injury has revealed Houston’s need for depth at certain positions. Luckily for the team, players like Brice […]

The Houston Astros entered their Monday night matchup against the Boston Red Sox riding momentum in the AL West playoff race. But the postgame focus wasn’t on the 7-6 win—it was on why their All-Star closer never took the mound. Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, with an update from […]

The Houston Astros suffered a sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. Astros manager Joe Espada helped his team cruise against the Miami Marlins, winning the first two games of their series. Houston will be without All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena for the finale as he recovers from injury. His manager […]

The Houston Astros made some moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline in the hopes of improving their chances for a serious playoff run. The addition of Carlos Correa has been the most talked about pickup for the club so far, but manager Joe Espada raved about a lesser-known acquisition, Jesus Sanchez. Sanchez, who is […]

The Houston Astros received a bit of a scare Friday night when star shortstop Jeremy Pena exited the 10th inning of their extra-inning loss against the Boston Red Sox. However, manager Joe Espada offered a reassuring update that should ease concerns around the Astros playoff race and the health of one of their most important […]

The Houston Astros made some roster moves on Monday that caught some attention due to the timing. Regardless, at the end of the day, the team was able to reinstate a key prospect to the major league roster. On Monday, the Astros decided to designate former top prospect Jon Singleton for assignment. The decision was […]

The Houston Astros are one of the best teams in baseball and are 1.5 games back of having the best record. The Astros are winning games despite not having some of their best players available. After their latest injury move, the Astros now have a league-leading 18 players on the IL, more than the Los […]

The Houston Astros sent a clear message to the rest of the American League Wednesday night. Despite being undermanned and riddled with injuries, Houston completed a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks on the road with a 4-3 win at Chase Field, improving to 60-42 and pulling into a tie with the Toronto Blue Jays for […]

The Houston Astros entered the All-Star break eight games over .500. Jeremy Pena, Hunter Brown, and Josh Hader went to the All-Star Game, representing one of the better teams in Major League Baseball. However, Joe Espada’s team still has holes it needs to address before the MLB Trade Deadline. Jose Altuve is still in left […]

Despite a turbulent first half marked by injuries and roster changes, the Houston Astros enter the All-Star break atop the AL West with a 56-40 record and a five-game lead over the second-place Seattle Mariners. Speaking to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, manager Joe Espada struck a confident tone about the club’s current outlook. “[We’re in] a […]

The Houston Astros are 1-5 in their last six games, as the team experienced a little skid right before the MLB All-Star break. It is a tad concerning, however, manager Joe Espada is maintaining positivity for the second half of the regular season. When asked about the recent skid, Astros manager Joe Espada focused more […]

With the Houston Astros preparing for the trade deadline at the end of the month, it’s essential to note that the team has been marked by impressive performances and an immense amount of young talent. Though one is currently on the injured list in Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, the other is rookie Cam Smith, who […]

The Houston Astros have five games left before the All-Star break. After Joe Espada led his team to a historic series sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his team looks as formidable as ever. Despite injuries to Yordan Alvarez and Jacob Melton keeping the team from full strength, Houston has yet to slow down. The […]

The Houston Astros are bringing back a familiar face for the stretch run. Veteran reliever Hector Neris is returning to the club for his third stint with the team, a move aimed at reinforcing the Astros bullpen as they hold a firm grip atop the AL West playoff race. Neris’s return was first reported by […]

The Houston Astros delivered one of the most dominant performances of the MLB season on Friday, and Christian Walker was right in the middle of it. In an 18-1 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first baseman went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs—continuing his unreal stretch at Dodger Stadium. Houston manager Joe […]

The Houston Astros enter their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with momentum. Despite being without slugger Yordan Alvarez, Joe Espada’s team is 8-2 in their last ten games. Before kicking things off in Dodger Stadium, the Astros shuffled their roster around. Houston send relief pitcher Jordan Weems in assignment and called up relief […]

As the Houston Astros are dealing with injuries to stars such as Yordan Alvarez, it doesn’t stop there, as it also includes outfielder Chas McCormick, though there is positive news on that front. While some speculate that the Astros outfielder in McCormick should be on the trade block, he looks to turn around his season, […]

The Houston Astros have used a dominant stretch to grow their lead in the American League West. Joe Espada’s team has won seven of their last ten games. Standout seasons from Astros like Jeremy Pena have helped the team bounce back from a season where they fell short of their high standards. However, the trade […]

The Houston Astros 45-33 heading into Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Houston’s general manager hinted that he has some big plans at the trade deadline. However, more than a month away from the July 31 deadline, the Astros have given themselves plenty of room for error. Houston holds a sizable lead over the Seattle […]

With the Houston Astros preparing ahead of the trade deadline in July, the team got to work early and made a trade regarding a pitcher who had been struggling. As rumors have swirled around the Astros, the trade the team made Friday was dealing pitcher Forrest Whitley to the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Chandler […]

The Houston Astros are 38-30 after their win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Astros manager Joe Espada has lead his team to a four-game lead in the American League West despite injuries to one of Houston’s biggest stars. Espada’s top two starters continue to lead the way, with Framber Valdez dominating on the […]

The Houston Astros are reshuffling their outfield dynamics, but Jose Altuve’s role remains unchanged despite a recent shakeup. Manager Joe Espada confirmed this week that Altuve will continue to see time in left field, even after top outfield prospect Jacob Melton was called up and inserted into the lineup. In an article by The Houston […]

Lance McCullers rejoined the Houston Astros’ rotation this season after being sidelined by arm injuries for two and half years. The Astros have been patient with McCullers as the former Cy Young candidate attempts to work his way back into form. And Houston is continuing that strategy by moving his next start back. “I want […]

The Houston Astros are at the top of the American League West heading into Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Joe Espada’s team has been neck-to-neck with the Seattle Mariners all season. Despite their success, Houston’s roster is not the same as it was during their dynastic run from 2017 to 2023. Some of the […]

The Houston Astros have rebounded from a slow start to the 2025 season and now lead the American League West. Joe Espada’s team is neck-and-neck with the Seattle Mariners for the top spot, despite Houston’s injuries throughout the season. Getting Christian Javier back from his elbow surgery would be a big boost. However, his latest […]

The Houston Astros received some unpleasant injury news Saturday. The club believed that DH Yordan Alvarez was nearing a return from the IL. However, a new update revealed a more significant issue. Alvarez has a small fracture in his hand, which will complicate the slugger’s return to the lineup. The Astros also announced that outfielder […]

Yordan Alvarez was reportedly trending in the right direction in terms of returning for the Houston Astros, but it’s going to be a little bit longer than anticipated. The team announced on Saturday that Alvarez has a small fracture in his right hand that is 60% healed. That puts a damper on his previous plan […]

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez posted a tremendous performance on Friday, throwing a complete game for his club. Houston defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 2-1, behind the hurler’s dominating outing. Following the game, Astros manager Joe Espada pointed to a specific moment as a turning point for his hurler. “Once he gave up that homer, […]

Ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, the Houston Astros are 30-26. Joe Espada has navigated injuries and inconsistency throughout the first two months of the season. Jose Altuve started the season playing in the outfield next to Chas McCormick in a effort to create the best lineup possible. While […]

The Houston Astros received positive news on the injury front, as both Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker are trending in the right direction. The Alvarez injury update and encouraging signs from Walker come at a crucial time in the season, with Houston aiming to climb back to the top of the AL West standings. During […]

Houston Astros Lance McCullers Jr. spent two seasons recovering from flexor tendon surgery. Astros manager Joe Espada got McCullers back in his rotation on May 4. Despite receiving death threats after his first starts back, McCullers Jr. has settled in well. He is no longer the ace, pitching behind Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez in […]

The Houston Astros improved their 2025 outlook by taking three of four games in a big series against the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are now just 1.5 games behind Seattle for the AL West lead. Still, Houston faces a number of concerns as injuries to the pitching staff mount and the team is still missing […]