The Astros completed a nine-game road trip beginning in Boston the day after the trade deadline when they re-acquired Carlos Correa in a trade with the Twins. They went 4-5 on that roadie with series wins in Miami and New York after getting pummeled against the Red Sox. Now, back at home for six games, the fans got to revel in some fun returns, but also one very concerning exit. Let’s go.
Carlos Correa returns to Daikin Park.
The former Astros shortstop is back in a Houston uni and the fans could not be more thrilled. Multiple ovations for the now third baseman filled the ballpark in a packed house Monday night. Correa didn’t disappoint with some flashes of leather at third and an RBI on one hit. It was a more exciting game than it probably should have been since the Astros led at one point 7-2, but getting a big win with Correa in front of the home fans once again was a treat. Never mind that he is hitting better than .400 since rejoining the team with an OPS well north of .1000.
Fans welcomed Alex Bregman back to Daikin Park.
Photo by Sean Thomas
So does Alex Bregman.
Yes, he plays for the Red Sox now, but it is impossible to ignore the contributions of the team’s former third baseman. He got a rousing standing ovation Monday night along with a long video tribute prior to the game. It was sort of a best-of-both-worlds night with Bregman tagging his old squad for a two-run homer into the Crawford boxes in the first inning, but the Astros still winning the game.
Cristian Javier made his first start of 2025 and went five innings.
Photo by Sean Thomas
Oh, and Cristian Javier as well.
A bit lost in the shuffle of Correa and Bregman was the fact that Javier was throwing his first big league game in over 14 months after Tommy John surgery. The righty struggled a bit with the strike zone and did give up the one home run, but otherwise he was solid in his first outing back giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 5 innings and striking out 6. The more players the team can get back from what was once an 18-player-deep IL, the better. Of course, as we say that…
But, Josh Hader exits?
Hader was a scratch Monday night after feeling that dreaded “shoulder discomfort” during his pregame workout. Joe Espada said the team would run more tests to determine what might be the issue, but when you hear anything relating to a pitching shoulder, it is terrifying for everyone. On Tuesday, the team announced that he would be placed on the 15-day IL with a shoulder strain. Hader has been spectacular this season and would be sorely missed if he were to have to sit out for any period of time. Bryan Abreu should do well filling in, but more arms are always better than fewer when it comes to the stretch run.