Three things from the Astros’ 2-1 win over the Rangers

The Astros offense still has room for improvement in the young season, but the pitching staff is picking up the slack.

On the heels of a three-game losing streak in Tampa, the Astros needed a win. Was Monday’s game in Arlington a ‘must-win’? Not really. However, a win is always nice, no matter when it occurs.

Thankfully for the club and its fans, the Astros came away victorious 2-1 over the Rangers. Here are three things that I observed and noticed during the game.

Carlos Correa‘s exit velocity

As we all know by now, Correa didn’t exactly have the 2018 season that I’m sure he wanted to have. The persistent back injury was clearly limiting the Astros’ shortstop. For example, Correa only had 15 batted balls with an exit velocity greater than 100 MPH following his return from the back injury. Although Correa only has two games under his belt in 2019, it was encouraging to see the 24-year old generate some quality swings on Monday. One hit, in particular, a single, had an exit velocity of 112.1 MPH. As noted here by Daren Willman of MLB.com/Baseball Savant, Correa only had 13 batted balls with a higher exit velocity than his single.

Brad Peacock takes flight

Although Peacock did start a game in 2018, he only lasted 1 2/3 innings. If memory serves me correctly, it wasn’t designed as a usual start, especially since the right-hander wasn’t stretched out for multiple innings. Fast forward to 2019 and Peacock is back in the rotation as a starter. He made his 2019 debut against the Rangers and did an impressive job.

6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO

The Astros rotation has gotten off to a tremendous start to the season. Peacock is a reason behind that success. Let’s see if it continues.

Robinson Chirinos proving himself as an Astro

When Chirinos signed with the Astros during the offseason, his offense first, defense second reputation came up quickly. It was noted that he allowed 56 stolen bases while only throwing out three would-be baserunners. So far, the former Rangers backstop is making a good impression on both sides of the ball. One play on the defensive side stands out from Monday and that is when he threw out Rougned Odor, who was attempting to steal second base following a leadoff hit in the seventh inning.

While Chirinos may not be a defensive whiz like Max Stassi, he does bring an added dynamic as a hitter that was missing last season. If he can continue to show his defense is respectable, the Astros may not have to worry about the position this year.