Astros news & notes

Sunday’s shutout win over the Brewers gave the Astros a rare series win on the road, but the team was unable to register their first .500 month of the season. The Astros finished September with a 13-14 record and are now set to finish the season with a three-game series against the Cubs at historic Wrigley Field. I can’t think of a better place from which to say farewell to the National League.

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

The Astros finished with a record of 8-9 against the Brewers this season. The eight wins are more than the Astros have managed against any other opponent. Houston is 5-7 against the Cubs, so a three-game sweep would equal their eight wins against the Brewers. Anything less than a sweep will establish a new franchise record for losses.

Fernando Abad attempted to throw a bullpen session on Friday but still felt pain in his right oblique. Abad has been shut down for the year, meaning Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris will be moved up to pitch Monday and Tuesday respectively, and Edgar Gonzalez will start Wednesday’s season finale.

Marwin Gonzalez entered Sunday’s game as a defensive replacement for SS Jed Lowrie. Manager Tony DeFrancesco says Gonzalez will not see any more action as a hitter or base-runner but may be used again on defense. Marwin is still nursing an ankle injury that he has already aggravated more than once while running the bases.

Jose Altuve got the day off on Sunday even though he had gone 15 for 34 this season at Miller Park. As it turned out, Jordan Lyles and the Astros didn’t need Altuve in their 7-0 thumping of the Brewers. Expect to see Altuve back in the lineup for all three games in Chicago.

The Astros and Rockets new TV network, Comcast SportsNet Houston, is set to launch Monday. The first day of programming will include a couple of must-see shows for Astros fans. “Lift Off”, airing at 6:30 p.m, is an introduction to the network’s coverage commitment. Hosted by Bill Worrell, the 30-minute program’s list of guests includes Jose Altuve, Roger Clemens, and Nolan Ryan. “Astros Field Pass” follows at 7:00 and will include interviews with Jim Crane, Jeff Luhnow, and Milo Hamilton.

We are all interested to see how the new network does and find out more about them. Click here to request Comcast SportsNet Houston in your area.