Missed Opportunity vs. Seattle, Golden Opportunity Ahead

After a thrilling comeback on Friday night, the Astros squandered a chance to bury the Seattle Marines in the AL West race, dropping the final two games of their series. A better opportunity lies ahead, though, against two of the worst teams in the American League. Former Astros outfielder Josh Red…

Pecko Watch: Astros-Mariners Finale and the Next Pitching Call-Up

Ethan Pecko did not make his scheduled start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday — perhaps in preparation to make his major-league debut next week against the Angels. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic’s Chandler Rome discuss Pecko’s potential call-up before previewing the finale of an already wild Astr…

A Playoff Push in the Middle of Astros Uncertainty

The Astros are in playoff position despite uncertainty in both their front office and pitching staff. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome field listener questions about both problems and address the status of general manager Dana Brown, Tatsuya Imai's viability as a playoff pitcher, whe…

The Bullpen Is Rolling. Can the Astros’ Bats Keep Up?

Despite deep funks from Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes, the Astros managed a 3-3 West Coast road trip buoyed by their bullpen. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Houston's six-game swing, how superb the bullpen has been, how top-heavy the Astros' offense has beco…

The Astros’ Post-Deadline Pursuit Continues

After an underwhelming trade deadline netted them only Daulton Varsho, the Astros are still searching for upgrades to their roster — specifically a right-handed hitting bench bat to give manager Joe Espada more flexibility late in games. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss some …

After the Deadline, the Astros Rotation Is Still the Story

In the aftermath of an underwhelming trade deadline, the Astros dropped two of three against the Toronto Blue Jays while questions about the sustainability of their starting rotation lingered. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the deadline fallout, the state of Houston's start…

Astros Add Daulton Varsho... But Why Didn't They Fix the Rotation?

At Monday's trade deadline, the Astros improved their outfield by acquiring center fielder Daulton Varsho, but failed to fortify a struggling starting rotation. The Athletic's Chandler Rome discusses Varsho's addition, why the Astros couldn't add to their starting rotation, Dana Brown's awkward bal…

Statement Made: Astros Sweep Rangers, Take Over First Place

The Astros never trailed in a statement sweep of the Texas Rangers, which vaulted Houston into first place in the American League West while intensifying attention around their actions at Monday's trade deadline. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the sweep, Yordan Alvarez's co…

Astros Deadline Mailbag: Outfield Upgrades, Peña & Trade Buzz

The trade deadline is four days away and the Astros remain in search of outfield upgrades and, perhaps, right-handed pitching. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome spend this episode answering listener questions about the deadline, Jeremy Peña's future in Houston, the potential of a reun…

Cockroaches Don't Die... Neither Do the Astros

The Astros have won seven of their past eight games and remain in ideal position for an American League playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the team's series win in Anaheim, the continued struggles of embattled starter Tatsuya Imai,…