HOUSTON — On Wednesday morning, Viviana Espada entered her parents’ room with a question on her mind. Since nine-year-olds aren’t allowed to stay up late on school nights, she missed her father’s first American League West title on Tuesday. Upon waking up and learning the news, Viviana was curious about the implications for one of her favorite traditions.
“Which hotel are we going to spend Halloween in?” she asked her dad.
In Houston, expectations run high, shaped by seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances and now eight straight seasons of postseason play. Division titles mark just the beginning; they do not signify the end goal. Even kids who are accustomed to trick-or-treating in hotel ballrooms develop a strong desire for deep playoff runs.
“This is the Astros way,” Joe Espada stated. “I take pride in making sure that we can spend Halloween on the road.”
Realizing this will necessitate a path that the team seldom follows. For the first time since 2015, Houston will engage in the wild-card round instead of automatically advancing to the American League Division Series. If they progress, it will mark the first occasion in nine years that the Astros lack home-field advantage in the ALDS.
Avoiding the Wild Card Series altogether remains the ideal scenario, yet the Astros must find comfort in their current situation. There is no chance for them to improve their postseason standings. The Cleveland Guardians have already clinched the American League Central title and secured a first-round bye, making Houston’s final four regular-season games irrelevant. This circumstance enables Espada and his coaching staff to rest some overworked players, be cautious with a couple of injured ones, and—most importantly—strategically align their pitching staff for optimal success.
For example, the Astros plan to swap the starting roles of Justin Verlander and Ronel Blanco, sending Blanco to the mound for Friday’s series opener against the Guardians while Verlander pitches on Saturday.
With Game 1 of the Wild Card Series scheduled for Tuesday, Blanco will benefit from four days of rest by Game 2. Opting to start him on Friday raises the likelihood that he could contribute as a multi-inning reliever in the Wild Card Series or receive extra rest if Houston requires him to start Game 1 of a potential ALDS. Notably, neither of the Astros’ first two starters in the Wild Card Series—likely Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown—will be fully rested for Game 1 of the ALDS.
Moving Verlander to Saturday may also remove him from the Astros’ wild-card pitching plans and possibly from the roster altogether. Carrying a 41-year-old pitcher with only two career relief appearances as a long man has always seemed impractical, and doing so when Verlander won’t be fully rested appears even less sensible.
Although Sunday’s starter is still unannounced, Espada might devise a bullpen game utilizing Shawn Dubin as an opener, supported by several low-leverage relievers. It’s advisable that none of Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly, or Josh Hader pitch in the last four games, although if any of them wishes to throw once during the six days preceding the Wild Card Series, Espada is free to find a spot for them.
On Wednesday, Espada wrote a starting lineup that excluded Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Kyle Tucker. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, who has played the fourth-most defensive innings of any major-league player, is also expected to take a break in Cleveland.
Jeremy Peña has made 156 starts at shortstop this season. (Tim Warner / Getty Images)
Alvarez will not be traveling with the team to Cleveland for their final regular-season series against the Guardians as he continues to recover from a right knee sprain he sustained on Sunday. According to Espada, he remains unable to engage in any baseball activities. The swelling in his knee persists, but Espada expressed some optimism on Wednesday morning after observing that Alvarez was “walking better.” General manager Dana Brown indicated to the team’s flagship radio station that more details regarding Alvarez’s condition will be available once the inflammation decreases.
Initially following Alvarez’s injury, Espada had shown a measure of hope that he might return in some capacity during the series against the Guardians. However, Alvarez appeared less convinced when speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
With the division clinched that evening, there is now no urgency to rush Alvarez back into action. There is a genuine concern regarding whether he will be anywhere near full strength for the Wild Card Series, but allowing him an additional seven days to recuperate should be advantageous.
Alvarez will stay in Houston, alongside outfielder Chas McCormick, who is also injured and with whom the team can now afford to be cautious. McCormick plans to hit off a high-velocity pitching machine and might face live pitching at Minute Maid Park while the major league squad is in Cleveland. He participated in on-field batting practice on Wednesday for the first time since fracturing a small bone in his right index finger and reported no negative effects.
McCormick’s status could add complexity to Houston’s playoff roster planning. If he is fit enough to contribute, Espada might contemplate giving him a larger role compared to Jake Meyers, the center fielder known for his defensive skills, who entered Wednesday with a .552 OPS since the All-Star break.
Alvarez will not be involved in outfield play come October — if he can play at all — which means Espada will need to choose from McCormick, Meyers, Mauricio Dubón, and Jason Heyward for left field and center field positions. Meyers excels in defense but may diminish the offensive potential of a lineup that is already heavily reliant on top hitters, especially if Alvarez is not at full capacity.
<pEspada's decision-making will be informed by matchups. Determining those matchups is another challenge. Houston could face any of four teams — the Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, or Detroit Tigers — as a wild-card opponent, leaving the situation uncertain until Sunday.
“We have various models to consider, and we’ll shape our roster based on different teams. We’ll have different ideas and models,” Espada mentioned. “The mental preparation remains constant. Regardless of the opponent, we will demonstrate effort, take the field with passion, and strive to bring another title to Houston. That aspect is unwavering. Now it is up to us to decide how we construct our roster based on who we face.”
GO DEEPER
Joe Espada’s even hand guides Astros to improbable AL West title
(Photo of Justin Verlander: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
Astros Prepare for Playoff Push with Halloween Traditions on the Line
The Intersection of Halloween and Baseball: A Unique Tradition
The Houston Astros are gearing up for their playoff push, and as October rolls in, the excitement is palpable. This time of year not only brings the thrill of postseason baseball but also the festive spirit of Halloween. The Astros have cultivated some unique Halloween traditions over the years that blend the excitement of the game with the fun of the spooky season. Let’s explore how these traditions impact the team and their fans as they aim for a successful playoff run.
Halloween Celebrations in the Astros Dugout
Halloween can be a delightful distraction for players, coaches, and fans alike. The Astros have embraced this season with various fun traditions that contribute to team cohesion and morale:
- Costume Contests: The Astros often hold costume contests in the clubhouse, where players showcase their creativity and team spirit. These contests not only foster camaraderie but also lighten the mood during the intense playoff push.
- Halloween-themed Team Events: Whether it’s a Halloween party or a themed practice, these events allow players to unwind and enjoy the festive atmosphere while remaining focused on their objectives.
- Charitable Initiatives: The team engages in charitable activities around Halloween, such as organizing candy drives or Halloween-themed events for the community, building positive relationships with their fans.
Impact of Superstitions on Playoffs
In sports, superstitions are often part of the culture, especially during high-stakes situations like the playoffs. The Astros have their share of quirky rituals and beliefs, particularly during Halloween. Some common superstitions include:
- Lucky Costumes: Players may have specific costumes they believe bring good luck, which can influence their performance on the field.
- Haunted History: With several players sharing spooky stories or local legends, the atmosphere can get a little eerie, creating an interesting backdrop for their performance.
- Pre-game Rituals: Many players engage in rituals before games that align with Halloween themes, such as listening to spooky music or sharing ghost stories to break the ice.
Key Players to Watch During the Halloween Season
As the Astros navigate their playoff push, certain players will be crucial to their success. Here’s a look at some key players and how they might celebrate Halloween while staying focused:
| Player | Position | Halloween Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| José Altuve | Second Base | Participates in costume contests |
| Yordan Álvarez | Outfield | Hosts a Halloween party for teammates |
| Justin Verlander | Pitcher | Tells spooky stories before games |
Fan Engagement: How Astros Fans Celebrate Halloween
The Astros’ fan base plays a significant role in the team’s Halloween celebrations. Engaging with fans during this festive season enhances the community spirit and strengthens support for the team. Here are some ways fans can participate:
- Halloween Game Nights: Fans are encouraged to attend games in costume, creating a lively atmosphere at Minute Maid Park.
- Social Media Contests: The Astros often run contests on social media where fans can share their Halloween-themed Astros gear or costumes for a chance to win prizes.
- Community Events: The team organizes family-friendly events, such as trunk-or-treats or Halloween parades, inviting fans of all ages to participate.
Case Study: Astros’ Halloween Success Stories
Historically, the Astros have benefited from their Halloween traditions. Notable success stories include:
- 2017 World Series Championship: During the 2017 playoffs, the Astros maintained their Halloween spirit, which helped them stay relaxed and focused, ultimately leading to their first World Series title.
- Team Cohesion: Halloween events have consistently brought players together, forging stronger relationships that translate to better on-field performance.
Practical Tips for Astros Fans This Halloween
If you’re an Astros fan looking to celebrate Halloween while supporting your favorite team, consider these practical tips:
- Dress Up: Wear your Astros gear and add some Halloween flair. A pumpkin-themed jersey or a ghostly cap can make your game day outfit stand out!
- Host a Watch Party: Invite friends over for a Halloween-themed Astros watch party, complete with spooky snacks and decorations.
- Engage Online: Join the conversation on social media. Use hashtags like #AstrosHalloween to connect with fellow fans and share your experiences.
Conclusion
The Houston Astros’ blend of Halloween traditions and playoff aspirations creates a unique atmosphere during this exciting time of year. With players, fans, and the community coming together to celebrate, the Astros not only enhance their team spirit but also build lasting memories. As they prepare for another playoff push, the combination of spooky fun and competitive spirit may just be the secret ingredient to their success.
