Crush City Territory: A Houston Astros Podcast

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 Astros-Mariners series.

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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, where AJ Blubaugh fits best and some prospects that could help bolster this staff. 

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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 become and what lies ahead during a pivotal, nine-game AL West homestand.

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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 potential candidates and why the Astros need them in the first place before analyzing the first two games of Houston's series against the San Diego Padres and the viability of Peter Lambert's success in the rotation

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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 starting rotation, Cristian Javier's importance to the rest of the season, Carlos Correa's possible return and whether Josh Hader will throw multiple innings again this season.

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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 balance between the present and future and why Houston parted with Spencer Arrighetti to get Varsho to Houston.

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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 continued absurdity and the anemic state of the American League West before analyzing the Astros' position at the trade deadline and the possibility of Carlos Correa returning at some point this season.

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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 reunion with George Springer and what other targets may present themselves across the next four days. 

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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, the resurgence of Peter Lambert and why it's endearing to be called a cockroach.

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Hunter Brown reprised his role as the Astros' ace and pitched Houston to a series win it desperately needed. Because of it, general manager Dana Brown reaffirmed the Astros' status as trade deadline buyers. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Brown's dominance, Houston's biggest trade deadline needs, Spencer Arrighetti's foot injury and what comes next for the Astros' rotation in his absence.

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