Astros 2014 Review

Apr 5, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; former Houston Astro

is honored prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

April

Opening Day arrived, and it was a good one as the Astros beat the Yankees 6-2 in the home opener, and even won the next day to start the season off 2-0. That weekend, on April 5th, the Astros had a retirement ceremony for Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt, two Astro legends who will one day have their numbers hanging from the rafters at Minute Maid Park.

They started to struggle as the month went along, and it caused the Astros to make a big move on April 16th: Calling up George Springer. We all know who he is, and that rookies go through an adjustment curve when joining the big leagues. Regardless, the fans were excited to see him finally on the team and knew he would turn it around sooner than later. On the same day Springer was called up, the Astros finally moved on from Lucas Harrell by designating him for assignment and eventually trading him to the Diamondbacks at the end of the month.

Scott Feldman suffered bicep tendinitis and was placed on the 15-day DL on April 21st, and on the 22nd, the Astros called up Collin McHugh. This move was questioned when it happened as a lot of people wanted Mike Foltynewicz to get called up and given the chance to show his arm off, but it was quickly forgotten when Collin McHugh threw 6.2 scoreless innings while striking out 12 batters, and only allowing three hits, all singles. This start made it impossible for the Astros to send down McHugh without giving him a longer chance to prove himself, something that McHugh did not let down. His start ended a 7 game losing streak, and was one of the only bright spots of the month. The Astros started off 9-19, which did not leave high hopes for the rest of the season.