The Houston Astros got off to a slow start this season, but have managed to bounce back and recover. They currently sit in first place in the American League West with a 1.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners.
They are looking to make their ninth consecutive postseason appearance and contend for another World Series title. Last year, their season ended in the AL Wild Card round, making for their only Wild Card loss in the organization’s history.
It is crazy to think that Houston is in the current position that they are in with the number of key players on the IL. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden points to the state of the roster and all their injury problems as a major concern going into September.
“They played without their best hitter, Yordan Alvarez, for most of the season; were without Jeremy Pena for over a month; lost third baseman Isaac Paredes to a hamstring strain; have seen most of their rotation hit the IL at various points; and now their closer, Josh Hader, is out for at least the rest of the regular season.”
These are injuries that many teams would not have been able to make it through, but not Houston.. However, if they lose another key contributor, it could spell disaster for this scrappy bunch.
“The Astros have a 1 1/2-game lead over Seattle in the AL West, but they still have 13 players on the IL. They just can’t lose anyone else to a major injury.”
Astros get key contributor back during Tuesday’s matchup with the Colorado Rockies
It was tough for the Astros when they learned they would be without Yordan Alvarez for some time. He has been a major contributor to Houston’s offense over the years, hitting at least 30 home runs a season during the last four years.
They were able to win games without one of their leaders, but after missing 100 games, the slugger has now rejoined the club. He returned on Tuesday in their matchup against the Colorado Rockies, going 0-for-2 with two walks to knock some rust off. If he can return to form, the Astros could be a brand new team in September.
