Houston Astros: Two keys to the second half of the MLB season

The Houston Astros stand with a healthy 57-33 record at the moment. But here are two things they will need to focus greatly on in the second half.

For the first time in franchise history, the HoustonAstroshad four players starting in the All-Star Game at their respective positions. They include the following guys:

1. Justin Verlander(SP for the AL)
2. George Springer(RF)
3. Michael Brantley(LF)
4. Alex Bregman(3B)

Brantley, for his part, got a warm and welcoming reception from his former hometown in Cleveland on Tuesday night. It was his first return to Progressive Field since being acquired by Houston in the offseason. The HoustonAstrosare set to go back to play against the Indians in the second half.

Speaking of which, Thursday will begin the second half of the season in Arlington against the Texas Rangers. Unlike the past two seasons, the in-state rivals aren’t coming into this contest as a pushover. Despite the lead the HoustonAstroshave over them, and in the division overall, the team and organization cannot very well get complacent.

Thankfully, there are a couple of things they can do before the trade deadline to put themselves in an even better position than they are now.

1. Two Princes

The thing that HoustonAstrosfans will be anticipating the most is the returns of bothAledmys DiazandCarlos Correa. While both are expected to be back soon, neither has begun a rehab assignment yet. Hopefully, one should be scheduled for either or both soon enough.

Then the question begins to be asked; who loses playing time? First,Myles Strawwould be sent down since he still has minor league options. The other two players in the hot seat would beTony KempandTyler White. Although to be fair, both have been stepping up as best as humanly possible on both sides of the ball.

It will be interesting to see how this particular element develops.

2. Start Me Up!

Another second-half need is for another starting pitcher. It’s no secret that the bullpen has been

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taxed as of late. Anyone not named Justin Verlander,Gerrit ColeorWade Mileyare the biggest roles of the dice that the team has been undertaking in recent games. This will certainly need to change.

Our own site expert, Brian Patterson mentionedjust yesterdayabout the team eyeingTrevor Bauer. Frankly, that would make things in the clubhouse a bit awkward with the feud he and Alex Bregman have. Nevertheless, it gives the rotation more flexibility.

Other names of trade targets have included Detroit’sMatthew Boydand Toronto’sMarcus Stroman. Personally, I prefer the latter given the differing stats on them. But like with all personnel decisions, we will all need to defer to our fearless leader, Jeff Luhnow, GM and baseball operations president.

Regardless of what happens, the HoustonAstroswill be sure to put themselves in a good position to take it back. Let the second half begin!

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