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Houston Astros: Injuries are catching up with World Series champs

By Kyle Cardoza

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 05: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros reacts to being injured after getting caught trying to steal second base in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 05: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros reacts to being injured after getting caught trying to steal second base in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

The Houston Astros had the luxury of facing relatively few injuries during the first half of the season. But now it seems like the entire roster is in the emergency room. Can the Houston club continue to compete?

Before the trade deadline, the Houston Astros looked like one of the top two teams to beat in the league. Even though Boston owns a better record, Houston has a greater run differential.

But the Astros will need its full roster to compete for a World Series title again. And injuries from the past few weeks might prohibit their success.

Ultimately, no team since July 29 has had worse luck than Houston in regards to the injury bug. All-Star – and face of the franchise – Jose Altuve hit the shelf that day. Lance McCullers and Chris Devenski also joined the club not long after. Then George Springer got hurt.

Before any of this occurred, young gun shortstop Carlos Correa suffered a back injury in late June. He hasn’t returned to the big-league club yet.

The next month could be the most arduous one the Astros face for the next few seasons. But it doesn’t mean manager A.J. Hinch and his crew will go winless.

Even though Houston is facing one of its toughest stretches of the year, the organization is deep and loaded with younger talent. Yet, the loss of the superstars essentially means lesser-experienced guys like Tony Kemp, J.D. Davis and Derek Fisher will need to step up.

However, most of the worries revolve around the offense. The Astros’ pitching staff will be just fine, and fans know it.

While McCullers was a reliable option in the back end of the rotation, guys like Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh are dependable. And even if one of the two stay in the rotation long-term, the relief corps is still one of the best in the league.

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That goes without mentioning that Roberto Osuna is eligible to return as well. The former Blue Jays closer is just another stellar option for Hinch in the later innings.

Nevertheless, Houston will need time to heal.

Altuve returned to the Lone Star State to get more thorough evaluation. McCullers is slated to miss the rest of the month, while Springer will likely be back in two weeks.

The Astros will have to grind, considering that 13 of their next 21 games are against the A’s and the Mariners. Both are within reach of the American League West lead.

Yet, if Houston can claim multiple wins against each crew, it will have a strong advantage later this season when it begins getting players back. If the Astros make the playoffs, no team will want to match up against them.

Fans witnessed what the team could do when healthy. Now they must have faith in general manager Jeff Luhnow and his deep roster of MLB-ready contributors.

And come next month, they could see all of their favorite faces back in Houston for one final push. Until then, Hinch and company will improvise with what they have.

Next. Who will take Lance McCullers' spot?. dark

Just don’t be surprised if the Houston Astros continue to triumph over their opponents.

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