Friday on The Dan Mathews Show, Dan and Josh Jordan reacted to the Astros’ big series win over the Yankees, previewed the upcoming series against the Mets, shared their thoughts on the Texans’ final preseason matchup with the Panthers, and much more!

Friday on The Dan Mathews Show, Aaron Wilson shared his thoughts on C.J. Stroud’s performance during the Texans’ joint practice with the Panthers, the latest on a potential contract extension, how the offensive line could shape up with roster cuts looming, what he expects from newly acquired receiver Kayshon Boutte, and much more!

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen joined The Dan Mathews Show to discuss how the Texans have modernized the "Legion of Boom" defense and how the team is able to play with two-high safeties more often than he expected. Nguyen explained how the Texans can maintain an aggressive front and stop the run while keeping two safeties deep, thanks in large part to Jalen Pitre's unique skill set and ability to be an effective run defender from the nickel position. He also shared his thoughts on Matt Burke's role in calling DeMeco Ryans' defense and how the Texans' commitment to becoming a more physical team in the run game could provide major benefits for the offense as a whole — and for C.J. Stroud in particular.

Thursday on The Dan Mathews Show, Dan and Josh discussed the Astros' disappointing loss to the Yankees on Wednesday, including Joe Espada's questionable decisions to bench Yainer Diaz after his huge performance in the series opener and go back to Bennett Sousa after his heavy workload the night before. They also discussed potential targets for the Astros' next GM, whether the Texans may have dodged a bullet with the injury to tackle Braden Smith, and much more!

Thursday on The Dan Mathews Show, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joined Dan to discuss the Astros' disappointing loss to the Yankees on Wednesday and why many wondered about Yainer Diaz not being in the starting lineup after his breakout performance in the series opener. McTaggart also weighed in on Bennett Sousa's disappointing outing and why Kai-Wei Teng wasn't sent back out for another inning. He discussed the Astros' reluctance to use AJ Blubaugh in leverage situations and how the club's lack of confidence in Tatsuya Imai is further taxing an already-strained bullpen. Finally, McTaggart shared his thoughts on Jim Crane's comments about the state of the franchise and why he wouldn't be surprised if the Astros traded Jeremy Peña in the offseason.

Wednesday on The Dan Mathews Show, Space City Home Network’s Brian Bogusevic shared his thoughts on the Astros taking the series opener from the Yankees and how players are able to compartmentalize when major organizational changes, such as a GM being let go, happen.

Bogusevic also discussed the up-and-down nature of the 2026 Astros, Ethan Pecko’s start, and how the bullpen will continue to be asked to cover a significant number of innings. 

Plus, Bogusevic broke down the importance of Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez, and Isaac Paredes producing consistently for the Astros’ offense to be effective, while also highlighting Yainer Diaz’s recent hot streak at the plate.

Astros manager Joe Espada joined The Dan Mathews Show to discuss the team’s gutsy win over the Yankees and the importance of the upcoming 12-game stretch. Espada detailed his conversations with the team about the limited time remaining in the season, Ethan Pecko’s start, and a bullpen that is being heavily taxed. Espada also emphasized the need for the Astros’ starting pitchers to throw more strikes and explained how he’s able to block out the outside noise and focus on the task at hand, particularly after the team parted ways with GM Dana Brown this week and with uncertainty surrounding Espada’s future with the club beyond this season.

Wednesday on The Dan Mathews Show, Dan and Josh Jordan react to the Astros’ big win over the Yankees, share their thoughts on Jim Crane’s latest comments about parting ways with GM Dana Brown, discuss the significant pressure on Texans OC Nick Caley, and much more!

After the Astros parted ways with GM Dana Brown on Monday, many are wondering how the organization lost its way after once being at the forefront of innovation and analytics—and, more importantly, how it can find its way back.
The first step is being honest about where the organization stands today and understanding what made the Astros successful in the first place. While the farm system lacks depth at the upper levels, there are legitimate reasons for optimism, particularly with several promising prospects developing in the lower levels.
Brown may also have left the organization with enough assets to serve as the foundation for another generational run, but realizing that potential will require the front office to make smart decisions from here.
That starts with hiring a new GM who possesses both a strong understanding of analytics and a deep knowledge of baseball, while also ensuring ownership is fully committed to that vision. The Astros don't necessarily need to reinvent themselves. They need to recapture the principles that made them successful—and build on them with the next generation of talent.

Tuesday on The Dan Mathews Show, Dan and Josh Jordan continue their discussion on the fallout from Dana Brown’s exit, take a hard look at the Astros’ most pressing needs and priorities, and share their thoughts on who deserves the most credit for the Texans acquiring WR Keyshon Boutte following Jayden Higgins’ season-ending injury.