The injury-plagued Astros beat the Diamondbacks 4-3 on July 24, 2025, to sweep the series behind Brandon Walter, seizing the AL's best record despite injuries.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a stunning display of resilience that has become the hallmark of their season, the Houston Astros completed a three-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, winning 4-3. The victory wasn't just another notch in the belt; it pushed their record to 60-42, tying them for the best in the American League and proving that this team's success isn't built on stars alone, but on sheer organizational depth and grit.
Houston leads all of MLB in players on the injured list, yet just tied for the best record in the American League at 60-42.
Wednesday's series finale was a microcosm of the Astros' entire month. With key starters Jose Altuve and top prospect Cam Smith sidelined, a patchwork lineup found a way. Brandon Walter was magnificent on the mound, carving through the Arizona lineup for seven innings of one-run ball. The game-winning rally came in the ninth, capped by a go-ahead RBI single from Christian Walker, before the ever-reliable Josh Hader slammed the door with two strikeouts to secure his closer role and the team's fourth straight win.
The Astros' performance is even more remarkable considering the state of their roster. They currently lead all of Major League Baseball in players on the injured list. Superstars like Yordan Alvarez and key contributors Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes, and Jake Meyers are all watching from the dugout. This adversity has tested the team's depth, but the results speak for themselves: a six-game lead in the AL West and a share of the league's best record. The bullpen, in particular, has been a fortress, with lefties Bennett Sousa, Bryan King, and Steven Okert forming a formidable bridge to Hader.
With the trade deadline looming, the front office is reportedly looking to add reinforcements rather than make a major splash. The primary target appears to be a left-handed bat to bolster the injury-depleted lineup, with Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins being a name to watch. While Mullins has struggled this season, the Astros have a history of helping players find their form. This strategy aligns with their organizational philosophy: supplement through smart trades while developing talent from within. Despite a low preseason ranking (29th), the farm system continues to produce, with names like Cam Smith and 2024 first-round pick Walker Janek representing the next wave.
As the Astros head to Oakland, the question isn't just whether they can beat the A's, but how long this incredible display of depth can last. With reinforcements like Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti on the horizon and potential trade deadline moves brewing, this battered but unbowed team is proving that the heart of a champion beats strong, no matter who is on the field. The 'Next Man Up' mentality is being tested, and so far, the Astros are passing with flying colors.
