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?

Even while struggling for consistency, the Astros are still within striking distance of the Division lead. Jose Altuve's struggling trends with the bat. Examining Lance McCullers' return. How critical are the next 7 series considering the current standings and the Division implications?

Christian Walker's recent success and some eye-opening advanced stats. Jeremy Pena is thrust into the leadoff spot following Altuve's request to move down. The implications and expectations surrounding Lance McCullers Jr's imminent return to action.

Houston's entire pitching staff continues to impress and there's no reason to think its not sustainable. While the Astros offense continues to struggle to find consistent production, is it actually a good sign that the team is keeping pace in the Division without Houston's offense waking up? Can Houston optimize their lineup by moving Jose Altuve back to second base?

Digging into the early performances from Houston's pitching staff. The glass-half-full perspective of the Astros' offense. Cam Smith is taking flyballs in center. Is this a sign of things to come?

Is the disparity of offense to pitching sustainable for Houston to once again win their division? Is the excellent pitching for the Astros actually poised to get even better? What happens when the Whitley, Ort, and McCullers rejoin the roster?

Why is Christian Walker being made the face of a struggling offense? How did Houston get here? What levers can Dana Brown pull to course-correct this roster?