Some Astros Thoughts: The Schedule and Jose Altuve

Through the end of May, the Astros were hovering within a few games of .500 in either direction. While the relatively slow start this year doesn’t compare to the dreadful beginning in 2024, this was a middling team up to roughly a month ago, buoyed by a strong run prevention approach but hampered by a lackluster lineup. Thankfully, the rest of the AL West wasn’t much better, and the schedule began to ease for Houston by late May.

Since May 22, the start of their four-game set against the Mariners in Houston, the Astros have posted an 18-7 record to propel themselves atop the division. Entering Thursday, they only trail the Tigers for the best record in the AL, with a 43-31 record. While it…