Astros Joe Espada Says Goal Is 'To Finish This Month Playing .500 Baseball'

The Matt Thomas Show

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show to recap the series sweep over the Baltimore Orioles. The Astros are now 5.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. "We want to finish this month playing .500 baseball," Espada said. The Astros will host the Colorado Rockies for a two-game series with Hunter Brown starting on the mound Tuesday. Brown's "confidence level is up" as "you see efficiency" instead of long at bats. Justin Verlander was scheduled to start against the Detroit Tigers on June 15 but was scratched due to neck discomfort. Verlander will be eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list on July 1 but could be out for longer. "He is at least progressing...but still not playing catch." Espada also gives an update on Jake Bloss, Kyle Tucker and other injured Astros.