Reacting to the Astros being on the wrong side of another sweep, the seriousness of Framber's recent performances, and Houston's primary variables to salvage this stretch.

The Astros head to Detroit reeling after getting embarrassed by the Orioles. The SCS crew examines how Houston still has the odds in their favor, how Joe Espada may juggle the returning starters, and whether this next 14 game stretch could ultimately decide whether the Astros could miss the postseason.

Things learned from the Red Sox series, discussing Abreu as the primary leverage option, and opportunities to rebuild a possible cushion in the Division race.

Breaking down the Astros big series win over the Yankees, Espada's manager-of-the-year chances, the heightened pressure on the bullpen, homecoming series in Houston, and the neck-and-neck race atop the AL West.

Reactions from the Marlines series. Is Houston now built for the offense to carry a bigger load while the starting pitching gets healthy? How critical is the upcoming series in the Bronx against a struggling Yankees team?

The excitement of the Correa trade was quickly quelled by a sweep in Boston. Can Houston's hitters become more patient hitters over 2/3rds into the season or will they live-and-die by early aggression? Do the Astros postseason hopes hinge on productive returns from 2 critical pieces of the starting rotation?

The Astros sent shockwaves though the MLB universe at the deadline by pulling off the unthinkable: bringing Carlos Correa back to Houston! The SCS crew react to Dana Brown's roster glow-up!

Has the Astros season magic finally been trumped by the underwhelming level of talent remaining on the roster? Have Hunter Brown and/or Cam Smith hit their season wall? Can Houston's GM afford to stand pat at the deadline given the increased level of concern regarding his team's ability to remain healthy?

Following a sweep of the Diamondbacks, the Astros find themselves neck-and-neck atop the AL. Examining the carousel of unlikely heroes that continue to power Houston's success, the cryptic Yordan update, a frustrating setback for Lance McCullers Jr, and revisiting the Astros' trade needs with new context.

Another series, another key player lost to the IL. What's the domino effect of losing Isaac Paredes while Houston awaits the return of Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez. And how much leash can the Astros front office continue to give embattled pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr?