Astros Confront Bullpen Dilemma as Season’s End Approaches
The Houston Astros find themselves navigating a challenging landscape in their bullpen as the regular season nears its conclusion. With injuries sidelining key relievers Bennett Sousa and Kaleb Ort, the team faces uncertainty just weeks ahead of the postseason.
Injury Updates and Outlook
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown delivered a sobering update during his weekly pre-game radio segment. He stated that both Sousa and Ort are “unlikely” to return before the end of the regular season, which wraps up on September 28. Brown’s comments, relayed by the Houston Chronicle, indicate a cautious outlook for the two pitchers as they work through their injuries.
Sousa, a left-handed reliever, has been on the 15-day injured list since August 22 due to left elbow inflammation. Ort, a right-hander, joined him on the injured list just days ago, also grappling with right elbow inflammation. With only 21 days remaining in the season, the prospect of either player contributing to the Astros’ push for the playoffs seems slim.
Impact of Absences on the Bullpen
The loss of Sousa and Ort comes at a precarious time for the Astros, who have already been reeling from the absence of closer Josh Hader, who has been out since August 12 with a left shoulder strain. Hader’s injury has intensified the pressure on Houston’s entire bullpen, leading the organization to make strategic adjustments.
In response to the mounting challenges, the Astros re-signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel and transitioned starter Lance McCullers Jr. into a relief role. Since Hader’s departure, Bryan Abreu has stepped up in save situations, successfully closing four games, while Ort managed to secure the only other save during this stretch.
Sousa had carved out a reliable niche in the bullpen before his injury, boasting a 5-1 record with a 2.84 ERA over 44 appearances. He notched 59 strikeouts against 15 walks in 50.2 innings pitched. With Sousa sidelined, Ort had begun to absorb some of Sousa’s previous responsibilities. Although his stats are not as impressive—2-2 with a 4.89 ERA and 49 strikeouts alongside 27 walks in 46 innings—his presence has been vital in the wake of Sousa’s absence.
Navigating the Tight AL West Race
As Hader begins to resume throwing, there remains uncertainty regarding his timeline for a return. In the meantime, the Astros will rely on Abreu to anchor the ninth inning, with Kimbrel, McCullers, Bryan King, Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos, AJ Blubaugh, Jayden Murray, and Logan VanWey also available to bolster the bullpen.
The effectiveness of this group will be critical as the Astros engage in a tightening race within the AL West. They are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a pivotal three-game series, and the team hopes that an off day on Monday will allow them to reset their starting rotation. Notably, Luis Garcia will shift from Sunday to make way for Framber Valdez, while Hunter Brown is slated to start the series finale on Thursday.
With the stakes high and the postseason looming, the Astros are keenly aware that every game counts. The health of their bullpen may prove to be a decisive factor in their championship aspirations.
