Astros drop finale 6-4 to the Marlins on Aug. 6 but win the series. Spencer Arrighetti returns as Carlos Correa's RBI double sparks a late rally.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of mixed results in Miami, but the big picture remains bright for the Houston Astros. While a late rally fell short in a 6-4 loss to the Marlins, the 'Stros still took two out of three, securing a crucial series win on the road. The biggest news, however, might have come before the first pitch, as the team officially welcomed right-hander Spencer Arrighetti back to the mound, a welcome sight for a pitching staff on the mend.
Carlos Correa's fifth-inning RBI double sizzled at 102.6 mph off the bat, a brief but powerful sign of life in the Astros' attempted comeback.
The Astros couldn't quite complete the sweep on Wednesday, falling 6-4 to the Marlins. The bats were playing catch-up for most of the contest, but a fifth-inning RBI double from Carlos Correa cut the deficit to 5-3 and gave the dugout a jolt. Unfortunately, the comeback stalled there. Despite the loss, Houston walks away with a 2-1 series victory, maintaining their perch atop the AL West with a 64-51 record. Jose Altuve, who already has 19 homers and 59 RBI on the year, continues to be a steady force in the lineup.
The man of the hour was starter Spencer Arrighetti, who was officially activated from the 60-day injured list to make his return to the rotation. It's a massive boost for a team that has weathered its share of pitching injuries. To make room on the active roster, the Astros optioned right-hander AJ Blubaugh to Triple-A Sugar Land. Getting Arrighetti back provides immediate depth and signals that the team is getting healthier at the perfect time.
The good news on the injury front doesn't stop with Arrighetti. Righty Cristian Javier is tantalizingly close to his own return from Tommy John surgery after a solid 3 2/3 inning rehab start for Sugar Land. His next start could very well be back in an Astros uniform. Meanwhile, reliever Shawn Dubin is continuing his rehab from a forearm strain and is expected back in the bullpen this month. The news wasn't all positive, as third baseman Isaac Paredes was transferred to the 60-day IL with his hamstring strain, though he still hopes for a September return.
While dropping the finale stings, the Astros leave Miami with a series victory and, more importantly, a healthier pitching staff. With Arrighetti back in the fold and Javier knocking on the door, the team is gearing up for the stretch run. Holding onto the AL West lead is the priority, and these reinforcements couldn't have come at a better time. All eyes will be on the roster sheet for Javier's name as the team heads into its next series.
