Astros Crawfish Boil: September 22nd, 2015

Astros News

Astros top Angels, now 1 back in AL West | astros.com
HOUSTON -- Dallas Keuchel held the Angels to six hits and one run in 7 2/3 innings, and Evan Gattis and Carlos Correa each blasted two-run home runs to lead the Astros to their third consecutive win, 6-3, on Monday night at Minute Maid Park. Keuchel (18-8) snapped a two-game losing streak by improving to 14-0 at home. He struck out six batters, tying Mike Cuellar (1967) for a franchise record with 203 strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher.

Dan Straily gets the call to help Astros’ bullpen during final stretch - Ultimate Astros
Dan Straily has never been happier to change his itinerary. The righthander was heading to the Fresno airport with plans to fly to El Paso on Sunday night when the Astros told him he was heading back to the majors.

Marwin Gonzalez available to Astros as emergency pinch hitter from right side - Ultimate Astros
Utility infielder Marwin Gonzalez, who has been out of the lineup with left hand and wrist ailments for seven of the last eight games, took swings from the right side for the third consecutive day. "I’m feeling a little better," Gonzalez said. "I’ve hit the last two days like at 50-60 percent."

Carlos Correa excited to have parents in town to celebrate 21st birthday - Ultimate Astros
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, who is the youngest position player in the majors, will celebrate his 21st birthday Tuesday with his parents in town from Puerto Rico.

First career home run an emotional one for Astros' Stassi | FOX Sports
Max Stassi connected for his first MLB home run on Saturday, and it was a special moment for him.

Red Sox GM Search Leads To Interview for Houston's Quinton McCracken
McCracken has overseen Houston's drastic turnaround that's come to fruition in 2015 and seems like a logical fit for Boston on that basis. The Red Sox won the 2013 World Series but are on track to miss the postseason for the second year in a row.

News From Around Baseball

Brewers Name David Stearns General Manager - MLB Trade Rumors
The Brewers are set to hire Astros assistant GM David Stearns as their new general manager.

Latest On Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright Injuries - MLB Trade Rumors
Yadier Molina has a torn ligament, but the Cards hope he'll return by the playoffs. He could be joined by Adam Wainwright, too. Details at MLBTR.

Twins Promote Max Kepler - MLB Trade Rumors
The Twins announced this evening that first baseman/outfielder Max Kepler will be called up to the big leagues for the first time. The 22-year-old just completed a strong season in which he was named the Southern League’s player of the year.

MLB Shortens Signing Timeline For Cuban Players - MLB Trade Rumors
Major League Baseball appears to be changing the way it treats Cuban defectors, potentially making it easier for them to sign with MLB clubs.

Loria Reportedly Open To Trading Marcell Ozuna This Winter - MLB Trade Rumors
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is reportedly very much open to trading Marcell Ozuna this offseason. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

Angels GM Candidates Include LaCava, Hazen, Atkins, Eppler - MLB Trade Rumors
The Angels are picking up the tempo in their search for a new general manager.

Postseason Rotations and Matching Up Aces | FanGraphs Baseball
In a five-game Division Series, most managers start their ace in Game 1, assuming that he is available to pitch on regular rest. That will optimize a club’s chances of winning Game 1. However, I’ve wondered if that does not necessarily optimize that same club’s chances of winning the series. Would a team be able to, under some circumstances, optimize its chances of winning the series by using their #2 starter in Game 1, and starting the ace in Game 2?