On this episode, the Stone Cold Stros guys discuss how impressive Astros' recent really is in the face of all their challenges, if they can keep this pace into the All-Star Break, and lessons learned from the fallout from what could be the last chapter of Forrest Whitley's career in Houston.

This episode, the guys discuss whether its time to buy McCullers stock, how the low innings pitched by the backend of the rotation is putting more pressure on Houston's lights-out bullpen, and what the softening strength of schedule means for the Astros.

While Houston continues to jockey for the division lead, the team is experiencing health concerns in addition to the questions around the viability of the back half of the rotation. Making matters worse, Houston admits they misdiagnosed Yordan's injury which has exacerbated the problem, with no ETA for his return. If this is Framber's last year in Houston, did the Astros do enough to take advantage of this double-ace rotation?

Can Lance McCullers make up for the loss of Ronel Blanco? Which is the bigger trade priority: lefty bat or rotation help? Does the schedule lend itself to Houston being a multi-game division leader by the time Yordon makes his return?

Given Houston's challenges versus the results, can we say the Astros have actually overachieved to this point? Has the Kyle Tucker trade positioned Houston better in the big picture? Does Houston's newest bullpen phenom past the eye test for long-term success? Does Alex Bregman's injury close the book on the debate over whether Houston should've found a way to keep the star third baseman?

Another week, another Astros starter goes down with elbow issues. Can Houston tread water with 3/5ths of their rotation on the shelf? With another setback to the pitching, the Stone Cold Stros panel takes a hard look at the curious roster construction that really begs the question, are they #BuiltForThis? After finally hearing from Yordan Alvarez directly about his injury, how much would a healthy career-level Yordan mean to giving Houston's hopes of keeping their playoff appearance streak alive?

As Houston keeps hovering just over the .500 mark for the season, the Stone Cold 'Stros crew checks in on what's working for the Astros (the pitching and defense) and what's not working (most of the offense, Altuve's usage, return to play protocols, and preventing steals on the base paths).

Even with suboptimal offensive performances, the Astros find themselves right in the thick of content for the Division. Does that mean they are just a healthy Yordan Alvarez away from taking control of the AL West? Speaking of the AL West, Houston enters a big stretch of division 

Mounting evidence points to the Astros offense waking up. The Houston rotation takes some hits with Hayden Wesneski's health concerns and Lance McCullers Jr's rocky returns. Hunter Brown and Jeremy Pena go head-to-head for Astros quarter season MVP.

What Yordan's IL stint means for Houston. Examining Jose Altuve's extension in the aftermath of the roster moves that have followed. Should the Astros explore bringing back Michael Brantley to be a mentor for the hitters on this team, specifically to help Altuve adjust to what appears to be a decline in his abilities?