Things are going pretty well for the Astros right now — and they’re probably about to get even better.
The team just finished a sweep of the Mariners. Plus, newly acquired player Aaron Sanchez combined with three other Houston pitchers to throw a no-hitter in his debut on Saturday.
And the team has won 14 of its last 17 games, outscoring opponents 29-4 in the last four games. So, things are going pretty great. Are we forgetting anything?
Oh right. Former Cy Young Award-winner Zack Greinke makes his Astros debut on Tuesday against Colorado after being acquired at the trade deadline.
Houston sportswriter Jeff Balke says the trade shows the team’s commitment to winning another championship.
“Basically, they have three number ones now in their starting lineup,” Balke said. “You’re getting a guy who’s under control for at least another season after this one. It’s just a phenomenal pickup for the Astros.”
Then – as if that weren’t enough – add in the fact that star shortstop Carlos Correa is back from an injury along with the likes of Joe Smith and Aledmys Díaz.
Plus, factor in the continued dominance of starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Not to mention a cast of other stars like Alex Bregman and former MVP Jose Altuve. And the team appears poised for the stretch run – and what management and fans hope is another deep playoff run in October.
In the audio above, Balke discusses the Astros, Texans training camp, and other developments in Houston sports. He writes for Houston Press and Houstonia.