Astros: Five key takeaways from eventful Dodgers series

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Here are our five key takeaways from the Houston Astros series against the Dodgers.

A lot of things can be said about this two-game rematch of the 2017 World Series, but it can’t be said that it wasn’t eventful. Unfortunately none of that translated into a win for the Houston Astros, who struggled offensively en route to being swept at home.

The Dodgers grabbed a 5-2 win on Tuesday in a game that was dominated by a sixth inning in which reliever Joe Kelly threw at Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. Framber Valdez was good for four innings, but he and reliever Enoli Paredes let things unravel in the fifth.

Wednesday’s game was a marathon, and not the good kind. Both teams struggled mightily with runners in scoring position, but the Dodgers got the big hit in the 13th inning. Correa and Michael Brantley were about the only two Houston players who could hit the ball in this series, although Correa grounded into a backbreaking double play in the 13th.

The Astros were a combined 4-for-24 with runners in scoring position in these two games. For some reason, they didn’t even try to bunt when they had a runner on second with no outs in extra innings. That’s something that needs to change, especially when most of the lineup can’t hit its way out of a wet paper bag.

But at least it’s over and done with. The Astros are 3-3 and have a day off on Thursday before embarking on a nine-game road trip to Anaheim, Arizona and Oakland. Lance McCullers Jr will take the mound in Friday’s opener against the Angels. In the meantime, here are our five takeaways from the Dodgers series.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 28: Manager Dusty Baker #12 of the Houston Astros argues with umpires Chris Cuccione (C) and Alphonso Marquez after they warned the Astros pitchers after a benches emptied after Joe Kelly #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers threw at Alex Bergman, Yuli Gurriel and Carlos Correa in the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on July 28, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Certain People Won’t Move On

Look, we get it. The Astros cheated. No one denies that, nor does anyone deny they deserved to be punished. Like it or not, Commissioner Rob Manfred gave the players immunity in exchange for their truthful testimony. That was his only option, because anything else would’ve drawn a fight with the Players Union.

That’s not an excuse for opposing players to dole out their own vigilante justice, and it’s especially no excuse for intentionally throwing at people’s heads. Still, that’s just what Kelly did on Tuesday, drawing an eight-game suspension for his attempts at both Bregman and Correa, and also for running his mouth at Correa and causing the benches to clear.

It’s funny that Kelly was the one to do it considering his place on the 2017 and 2018 Red Sox teams, both of which have been busted for illegal sign stealing. It’s also funny that the Los Angeles media hailed him as a hero and a legend despite his place on those teams and despite the fact that he served up the grand slam that knocked the Dodgers out of the 2019 postseason. For Pete’s sake, he’s so terrible he couldn’t even hit the players he was aiming at!

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 28: The benches emptied between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros in the sixth inning after Joe Kelly #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers threw several high inside pitches to Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman #2 and Yuli Gurriel #10 at Minute Maid Park on July 28, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

We all know social media is a cesspool and a way for people to post things they wouldn’t have the guts to say in person. It’s similar to Kelly, who was perfectly fine to yell at Correa while walking away and then hiding behind his teammates. People like that will not move on and will not stop acting like the Astros were the only ones cheating. At this point, there’s nothing that will change their minds or make them see reason, so all we can do is keep our heads up high and move along.

Dusty Baker is a Legend

A few days ago, manager Dusty Baker said he didn’t see himself as a legend. Maybe he doesn’t, but Astros fans sure do. He’s proven himself to be exactly the kind of personality this team needs in the dugout with everything they’ll be dealing with this year.

What put him over the top was a comment that was caught by the TV mics. After Kelly covered first base and stuck his foot in the basepath, nearly causing a bad incident with Michael Brantley, a voice could be heard yelling, “Get on the mound, little (fudger)!” We don’t have conclusive evidence, but the consensus seems to be that it came from Baker.

That, combined with his comments after the game that, “We don’t start nothing, but we don’t take nothing either,” show he has just the kind of fiery attitude this team needs. They’ll be taking a lot of flak from some teams, but Baker won’t just let them roll over. Good thing the Astros picked up his option for 2021.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 29: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park on July 29, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Cristian Javier Has a Bright Future

The franchise’s minor league pitcher of the year in 2019 had a scoreless debut, tossing an inning of relief on Saturday. He got his first start on Wednesday in place of the injured Justin Verlander, and he did not disappoint.

Javier went 5.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out eight. He struck out the side in the first inning, setting the tone for the rest of his outing. It was an amazingly impressive first start for the 23-year-old, meaning he’ll probably remain in the rotation. He’s certainly earned it, and here’s hoping he stays there for a long time.

Blake Taylor Is Luhnow’s Parting Gift

Not long before he was fired, former GM Jeff Luhnow traded popular outfielder Jake Marisnick to the Mets for a minor league pitcher named Blake Taylor. Not much was expected of him for this season, but Taylor has already made a huge impact.

As the only left-handed reliever for a team that’s barely had one in a couple years, Taylor has shined. He’s thrown 4.2 innings so far, allowing just one hit and striking out five. He gave the team 2.1 excellent innings in relief of Javier on Wednesday. It’s early and it’s a small sample, of course, but he looks like he’ll be a key cog in this bullpen.

Springer, Altuve, Bregman Really Struggling

The core of the Astros offense is having a really difficult time to start this season, which is a big reason why they struggled to score against the Dodgers. Jose Altuve is hitting .174 while looking particularly bad on Wednesday, and Alex Bregman is also hitting .174. George Springer is hitting a microscopic .048, which prompted Baker to give Myles Straw the start on Wednesday.

It’s only six games, so it’s certainly too soon to be panicking. Hopefully the day off on Thursday will help these guys out. They’re simply too talented to not break out of this funk, but it’s tough that they all happen to be in a slump at the same time.

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