The Houston Astros are dealing with their share of injuries these days. Maybe not at the level of the New York Yankees, but still.
Over the past few days, the defending World Series champions have seen starting pitchers Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia fall. All this, without forgetting the fact that they are still without the services of star player Jose Altuve. The latter fractured his thumb during the World Baseball Classic and his return to action is expected around the end of May, beginning of June.
Speaking precisely of the World Baseball Classic, Astros manager Dusty Baker hopes that the injuries to his two starters are not related to the latter’s participation in said Classic. Indeed, the common point between Urquidy, Garcia and Altuve is that they all three represented their country last March.
A bogus excuse
So Baker is speculating that both of his starters might be injured because they pitched in the Classic. In my opinion, it is absolutely ridiculous to throw such comments into the air. I know that the good old Dusty has seen others in his career, but to go into such talk is embarrassing coming from a man of his stature. He is a respected man in the baseball world.
It’s a safe bet that such a statement was made to draw the spotlight away from the team and try to find a reason to justify the record. correct of his since the start of the season. Houston is 16-13, which isn’t bad, but average for the defending World Series champions. He’s probably still bitter over the loss of Altuve.!
Shohei Ohtani participated in the Classic and he is not injured. Ditto for Mike Trout. This is most likely more coincidence than motive in the case of the two gunners. At this time of year, the Classic is far behind us. There’s no need to use that as an excuse.
The loss of Verlander hurts
When you look at it coolly, there’s no doubt veteran pitcher Justin Verlander’s subtraction is hurting the Texas squad. Whether it’s through his aura in the locker room, or his performance on the pitch.
Houston hasn’t really replaced its pitching ace. The Astros trusted the staff already present, considering that the pitchers in place would be able to increase their level of play by a notch, to take the lead in professional maturity, to allow victories.
Admittedly, ok, but the wounds of the moment hurt particularly in this scenario.
- Speaking of Justin Verlander.
- Gary Sanchez is a free man.
- Throwing with the dial is not easy.
