Astros: 3 takeaways from the 2022 schedule release

The Astros’ 2022 schedule has been released, while it doesn’t look too fun.

The Houston Astros got back to normal in 2021 with a 162-game season, after falling to only 60 games in 2020. While we have seen more interleague play in the past 10 years, the balancing of leagues has led to each division playing the same division in the opposite league.

For 2022, the American League West will face the National League East, which includes the New York Mets, Miami Marlins Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. This is where the first takeaway comes, as Opening Day comes against the Phillies.

Although not anticipated to be a juggernaut in 2022, the Astros still have a clear path to be a contender and opening the season at home against the Phillies is pretty blah. A New York Yankees’ series immediately follows, but you’d hope to draw a lot of eyes during the Opening Series and Philadelphia doesn’t seem like the perfect suitor for Houston.

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There isn’t a rivalry or divisional contest there; it is two teams that don’t have a strong history against one another.

The second takeaway comes from the month of July, where the Astros play in 26 games. Of those matchups, 22 are against AL West opponents, only excluding the Texas Rangers. July could be dominated by these teams to possibly change the course of the trade deadline.

The final point is drawn from the fact that the Oakland A’s don’t face the Astros until the last week of May, which is abnormal since the two are eyed as the most complete. You’d expect the series to be spread out the course of the season. The 2022 schedule doesn’t look too exciting now, but free agency can always change the course of baseball, as the NL East will most likely see a shuffle and rebuilds.