Astros Finish 4-2 New York Road Swing Following Roster and Front Office Turnover
The Houston Astros secured a 4-2 road swing through New York, defeating the Mets 6-3 at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon, according to game reports. The series win follows a turbulent homestand where the team went 3-6 against opponents with losing records and were about to part ways with general manager Dana Brown. With the victory, Houston improved its record to 69-68, maintaining first place in the American League West ahead of a four-game home series against the Chicago White Sox.
“I thought we needed to come out after our homestand, get back up and play good baseball, and I thought we did,” Astros manager Joe Espada said according to team accounts. “Now my message to them is not to get complacent. We have two really good teams coming to Houston and we have to continue to play well.”
Ethan Pecko Earns First Career Win at Citi Field
Rookie right-hander Ethan Pecko claimed his first career major league victory Sunday, throwing five innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks. Pecko rebounded after surrendering back-to-back home runs to Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto to start the game, followed by a single to Bo Bichette before recording an out. According to team data, the club’s No. 9 prospect settled down to retire the next 12 batters consecutively, throwing 47 of 83 pitches for strikes and generating 13 whiffs.
“He did not get rattled,” Espada said. “He gave up those two homers and settled in. I ended up getting [AJ] Blubaugh up in the bullpen in that inning just in case. He did not let things get out of hand.”
AJ Blubaugh Emerges as Major League Relief Leader
Relief pitcher AJ Blubaugh continues to anchor the Houston bullpen, throwing two scoreless innings Sunday after tossing two scoreless frames Thursday against the Yankees. According to Major League data, Blubaugh leads all major league relievers with 84 1/3 innings pitched and 26 multi-inning relief appearances this season. Powered by a 98 mph fastball, the rookie has established himself as a primary leverage weapon for Espada’s pitching staff.
“He’s been pretty good the whole entire season,” Espada said. “We’re looking for guys who can pitch some leverage innings and he showed that he can do that.”
Rotation Adjustments and Impending Roster Additions
The Astros are evaluating further pitching strategies as they navigate roster expansions. Espada indicated the team may continue utilizing relief pitchers as openers to bridge games not started by Hunter Brown, Peter Lambert, or Hayden Wesneski, mirroring previous opener deployments with Bennett Sousa and Bryan King. Meanwhile, right-hander Mike Burrows is a prime candidate to join the active roster as rosters expand, having completed a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land following a stint on the injured list for right elbow neuritis.
Did you know? The Houston Astros played both the New York Yankees and New York Mets on the same road trip, winning two of three games against each ballclub to finish their New York swing at 4-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Astros’ New York road trip?
The Astros finished their New York swing with a 4-2 record, winning two of three games against the New York Yankees and two of three against the New York Mets.
Who secured his first career win during the series against the Mets?
Rookie right-hander Ethan Pecko earned his first career major league win on Sunday, pitching five innings and striking out batters after surrendering early home runs.
Which pitcher leads Major League Baseball in relief innings?
Astros rookie reliever AJ Blubaugh leads the majors with 84 1/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen, according to team reports.
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