On April 1, pitcher Ronel Blanco threw the 17th no-hitter in Astros history against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was also the earliest date a no-hitter has been thrown in MLB history. More history was made as the no-hitter marked Joe Espada's first career win as manager, the first occurrence in MLB history where a manager got his first win with a no-hitter.
The Astros had a slow start to the season, as they fell to 12–24 after their first 36 games.[1] The largest deficit by which the Astros trailed in the AL West was 10 games on June 18, when their record was 33–40.[2] Following a seven-game winning streak, on June 26, the Astros claimed their 40th win to reach .500 for the first time on the season.[3]
On September 13, the Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels to attain the 5,000th win in franchise history, becoming only the second expansion team to do so.[b][4]
On September 24, the Astros clinched the AL West division title for the fourth consecutive season and the seventh in the past eight seasons.[5][6] They also clinched a postseason berth for the eighth consecutive season and the ninth in the past 10 seasons. On September 29, the Astros season finale against the Cleveland Guardians was canceled due to weather concerns. As such, the Astros finished with an 88–73 record and did not play the season finale. The Astros were the fifth team to start 22–28 and win their division in MLB history.[7] The Astros were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the 2024 American League Wild Card Series, ending their streak of consecutive ALCS appearances at seven (2017–2023), which was the most in the American League and the second-most consecutive LCS appearances after the Atlanta Braves' consecutive NLCS appearances of eight (1991–1999, excluding 1994 that was not played due to a players' strike).[8] The Astros were also swept in a postseason series for the first time since the 2005 World Series.[9]
Following the season, Alex Bregman won his first career Gold Glove Award, Altuve won his seventh career Silver Slugger Award, while Altuve, Alvarez, and Opening Day starting pitcher Framber Valdez were each named to the All-MLB Team Second Team. Altuve's ninth career All-Star selection and seventh Silver Slugger both extended franchise records.
Offseason
October 2023
The Houston Astros finished the 2023 season as runner up for the American League (AL) pennant behind the defending World Series champions Texas Rangers. The Astros entered the offseason with uncertainty at the managerial position as Dusty Baker had completed the last year of his contract and had expressed to multiple people inside and outside the organization that 2023 was to be his last year managing the club.[10]
On October 25, it was announced that Baker would retire as manager of the Astros. The Astros posted a 320–226 (.586) record with Baker as manager, winning a World Series (2022) and two AL pennants (2021, 2022).[11]
November 2023
On November 13, it was announced that bench coach Joe Espada, who had been with the organization since the 2018 season, would be named the new manager of the Astros.[12]
December 2023
On December 6, the Astros announced that they had acquired right-handed pitcher Dylan Coleman from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor league pitcher Carlos Mateo.[13]
The following day, the team officially announced that they had signed catcher Víctor Caratini to a two-year contract worth $12 million.[14]
January 2024
On January 16, the team announced that reliever Kendall Graveman was set to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.[15]
Six days later, on January 22, the team announced that they had signed left-handed pitcher Josh Hader to a five-year contract worth $95 million.[16]
On February 6, the team announced that they had extended 2nd baseman Jose Altuve for five years and $125 million.[18]
Per Forbes, the Astros' net value was estimated at $2.425 billion, ranking 11th MLB. The Astros partnered with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to acquire regional sports networkAT&T SportsNet Southwest and rebrand it as Space City Home Network (SCHN). The network was launched to the public on October 3, 2023, the 2024 season was the first season for the Astros to broadcast on SCHN. The moves implied a loss of an estimated $23 million of revenue; however, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) had announced they would discontinue broadcasts for Houston, the Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, and other clubs, leaving no airing of home games for those respective clubs.[19]
Right-handed pitcher Héctor Neris and the Chicago Cubs officially agreed on a one-year contract worth $9 million with a team option for the 2025 season on February 1, 2024.[23]
The Astros kicked off their spring training against the Washington Nationals on February 24.
Right handers Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis García entered the 2024 season rehabilitating elbow injuries. García was recovvering from ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCL reconstruction, also known as Tommy John surgery), for an injury sustained early in May 2023. He was expected to miss the start of the 2024 season.[24] McCullers was recovering from a flexor tendon strain first sustained in the 2021 American League Division Series (ALDS) and had not appeared in a major league game since the 2022 World Series. In February 2023, he strained it again and elected for season-ending surgery the following June.[25]
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander also missed the start of the season due to right shoulder inflammation.[26]
Regular season summary
March and April
By making the Opening Day roster and playing for the Astros, right-handed relief pitcher Tayler Scott became the first South African to play for Houston. Also the first South African pitcher in MLB history, he made his MLB debut in 2019, pitched for six teams, and an additional two years in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), before joining Houston.[27]
Opening Day and Series
Opening Series, March 28 – 31 vs New York Yankees: HOU lost series, 0–4
The Astros dropped their Opening Day game, March 28, to the New York Yankees, 5–4. In the ninth inning, Kyle Tucker singled with Mauricio Dubón and Yordan Alvarez on base. However, right fielder Juan Soto delivered an accurate throw to home plate that allowed catcher Jose Trevino tag out Dubón to preserve the Yankees' lead and eventual victory.[30]
Rest of March and April
The Yankees swept the opening 4-game series, led by Soto's 9-for-17 (.529 batting average) and 4 runs batted in (RBI). The Astros' seventh loss in a row to the Yankees, it was the first time they dropped their first four to begin a season since 2011 (0–5).[31]
On April 1, Ronel Blanco (1–0) no-hit the Toronto Blue Jays to lead a 10–0 rout for Astros' first win of the season, the first win for Joe Espada as manager and the earliest calendar-date no-hitter in MLB history.[c] The eighth career major league start and first of the season for Blanco, it was the 17th no-hitter in franchise history. Espada became the first manager to earn his premier major league victory via the no-hitter, per the Elias Sports Bureau (ESB). Kyle Tucker led Houston's offense with two home runs.[32] On April 3, Cristian Javier (1–0) and four relievers combined on a one-hit, 8–0 shutout of Toronto: Javier pitched the first five innings, allowing the one hit, and Seth Martinez, Rafael Montero, Tayler Scott, and Dylan Coleman each tossed an inning. Coleman made his Astros debut this game. Yordan Alvarez homered twice and tied a career-high with four hits, his 16th career multi-homer and sixth four-hit game. Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña also homered for the Astros.[33]
In his next start on April 7, Blanco tossed another 5+2⁄3 no-hit innings until a single hit by Adolis García of the Texas Rangers ended 14+2⁄3 consecutive no-hit innings. Blanco set an expansion-era record[d] of 44 outs recorded to begin a season before allowing a hit.[34] With Framber Valdez being skipped from making his start on April 8 due elbow soreness, Blair Henley made major league debut versus the Rangers. He retired just one of nine batters faced and allowed five runs as the Astros trailed 5–2 after one inning. Alvarez collected three hits, including a home run, and Victor Caratini hit a three-run home run as the Astros came back to win, 10–5. Seth Martinez (1–0) worked 3+2⁄3 scoreless innings, and Scott and Brandon Bielak each worked an additional two innings.[35]
Following the no-hitter and record-breaking streak of consecutive batters retired without a hit, Blanco was named the AL Player of the Week for the first time in for his career for April 7.[36]
On April 10, Spencer Arrighetti made his major league debut for the Astros, as the starting pitcher versus the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals staked seven runs in the third inning, which finished Arrighetti's outing. The Royals won, 11–2, and extended a winning streak to 6 consecutive.[37] The Royals continued their hot hitting the following day. They collected 11 hits in the first inning alone versus starter Hunter Brown, who became the first pitcher in major league history to allow 11 hits in less than one inning, which then led to nine runs. Brown tallied 2⁄3 inning before being removed.[38]
Alex Bregman recorded his 1,000th career hit on April 25, a single in the sixth inning in a 3–1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. He became the 14th player to amass as many hits as a member of the Astros.[39] The loss dropped the Astros record to 7–19, the first time since 2014 they had been 12 games under .500 at any point, and second-worst 26-game start.[40]
As part of the MLB World Tour, the Astros and Rockies participated in the 2024 edition of the MLB Mexico City Series, with the Rockies designated as the home team for the two contests, played at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. The two clubs owned the majors' two worst won–lost records; the Astros (7–19) entered the series a season-worst 12 games under .500 and in last place in the AL West.[41] The Astros won the opener, 12–4, to snap a five-game losing streak. Yordan Alvarez was 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI. Kyle Tucker also homered and Yainer Díaz collected three hits and three runs scored.[42] In the second game, Framber Valdez pitched for the first time since April 2, logging five innings in an 8–2 win. Tucker, Jose Altuve, and Jeremy Peña all homered for Houston. Entering the final game of the series, Astros' starters had ranked 28th in the majors in ERA (4.95).[43]
Joey Loperfido made his major league debut on April 30 versus the Cleveland Guardians, and hit a two-run bases loaded single in fifth inning for his first major league hit and RBI. In the tenth, Caratini's walk-off, pinch hit home run in the 10th inning secured a 10–9 final to give the Astros (10–19) their first three-game winning streak of the season. Josh Hader (1–2) picked up the ninth and tenth innings for his first two-inning relief outing since 2019, and his first win in an Astros uniform.[44]
Hunter Brown ended the month of April with one of the worst months of his career, including going 0–4 with a 9.78 ERA to start the season.[45]
May
The Astros won the series finale versus the Guardians on May 2, 8–2, and also won a second consecutive series for the first time on the season. In the sixth inning, the Astros trailed 2–1 when Jeremy Peña tripled. Jon Singleton then hit a two-run home run to give the Astros the lead. Jake Meyers tripled to start the seventh and Jose Altuve's single scored him, increasing the lead to 4–2. Tyler Beede hit Peña with the bases loaded; Yainer Diaz followed with a two-run single. Singleton hit a sacrifice fly to further add to the lead, 8–2. Altuve had three hits. Tayler Scott (1–1) worked 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings to earn his first major league win. In spite of the win, the Astros (11–20) occupied last place in the AL West.[46]
On May 3, Jose Altuve pilfered the 300th base of his career in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners. Altuve became the third player in Astros history with at least 300 steals, joining César Cedeño (487) and Craig Biggio (414).[e][47]
On May 8, the Yankees defeated the Astros, 9–4, powered by home runs from each of Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton. Rookie Spencer Arrighetti (0–4) allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings, including all three home runs by the Yankees' power trio. Kyle Tucker and Jeremy Peña both hit home runs for Houston in the Astros' fourth loss in a row, dropping their record to 12–24. The Yankees started 6–0 against the Astros in 2024, and had been 11–2 since the start of 2023.[48] After the loss, the Astros' pitching staff earned run average (ERA) stood at 5.05, the third-highest in the major leagues.[40]
Alex Bregman authored his sixth career multi-homer game and Spencer Arrighetti (1–4) allowed two runs over five innings on May 13 to lead a 9–2 win over Oakland. It was Arrighetti's first major league win.[49]
Caratini delivered another pinch-hit, walk-off 10th-inning hit on May 14, this time a 2–1 win over Oakland. Hader (2–3) worked the final two innings to earn his second win as an Astro. The late-game heroics followed Ronel Blanco's shortest outing of the season to date, who, after having completed the third inning, was ejected by umpire Laz Díaz during a routine foreign substance check.[50]
Blanco was suspended for 10 games and fined an undisclosed sum by MLB the day following the ejection.[51]
On May 16, Joey Loperfido hit his first major league home run and Cristian Javier (3–1) hurled six scoreless innings to lead an Astros' 8–1 win and finish a four-game sweep of Oakland. In their six run third inning, Yainer Díaz hit a three-run double and Loperfido added his two-run home run off Joey Estes (1–1). It had been a season-high five-game winning streak to that point for the Astros.[52]
Jake Meyers hit a three-run home run on May 24 as Justin Verlander struck out nine and allowed two runs (one earned) to lead the Astros 6–3 win over Oakland. Meyers' home run highlighted a six-run fourth inning for the Astros. Verlander (3–2) struck out Abraham Toro to pass Hall of Famer Greg Maddux (3,371) for 10th place on the all-time strikeout list, finishing the outing with 3,377, and won the 260th game of his career.[53] Toro had been instrumental in securing Verlander's third no-hitter in Toronto in 2019, hitting a home run in the ninth inning that accounted for the only runs of the contest for a 2–0 Astros' final, as well as fielding the final out of the game.[54]
June
On June 3, Alex Bregman hit a game-tying home run leading off the eighth inning and Yainer Díaz homered that same inning to lead a 7–4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. It was Bregman's fifth home run over his previous seven games. Kyle Tucker departed in the third inning after fouling a pitch off his right shin. Pinch hitter Mauricio Dubón took Tucker's place in the at bat, drew a walk, and Yordan Alvarez followed with a home run. X-ray on Tucker's leg following the game were negative.[55]
Cristian Javier made 7 starts for the Astros and pitched 34+2⁄3 innings before it was announced on June 5 that he would undergo UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), ending his season prematurely. On this date, starter José Urquidy, who had not pitched in 2024, was also announced for required elbow surgery that would end his season.[56]
Kyle Tucker was removed from the game on June 7 versus the Los Angeles Angels due to a shin contusion as a result of a foul ball hit off his right leg, and was later placed on the 10-day injured list (IL). His 19 home runs tied for second in the AL with Gunnar Henderson and Tucker was fourth in OPS at .979.[57] In early September as Tucker still had to yet to be activated, the extent of the injury was revealed to be a fracture, though that was indiscernible from early radiologic scans.[58]
The Astros released Jose Abreu on June 14, nearly at the halfway point of a 3-year, $58.5 million contract signed during the 2022–23 offseason. In 714 regular season plate appearances in an Astros uniform, he slashed .217/.275/.351.[59]
Victor Caratini hit his first major league triple on June 15 off Jack Flaherty in 12–5 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park.[60] Ronel Blanco tossed seven hitless innings versus Detroit on June 16 before Ryan Pressly allowed a single by Wenceel Pérez for Detroit's with two outs in the eighth.[61]
Following a 2–0 shutout defeat to the Chicago White Sox in a series opener on June 18, the Astros' record was 33–40, distancing them 10 games from the Seattle Mariners for the AL West lead, their largest deficit of the season. It was the first time since the final day of the 2016 season that Houston was 10 games behind for the division lead. The Astros also placed ace Justin Verlander on the injured list.[62] The following day, Hunter Brown (4–5) pitched six strong innings with one run allowed, catcher César Salazar drove in 2 runs with his first career multi-hit game in the majors, and Jake Meyers scored two runs on a pair of doubles to end an 0–17 slump. Brown lowered his season ERA to 4.72.[63] In the series finale, Yordan Alvarez drove in two runs—including a home run—and Alex Bregman collected three hits and a run scored to key the Astros' 5–3 win and take 2 of 3 from the White Sox.[64]
On June 19, the Astros placed Justin Verlander on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to lingering neck discomfort,[26] and on June 21, placed Caratini on the 10-day IL as a result of a left hip flexor strain.[65]
On June 23, Framber Valdez (6–5) allowed 6 hits and 1 run over 7 innings relievers in an 8–1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Jeremy Peña and Yainer Diaz collected three RBI each. Jose Altuve hit a leadoff home run and Alex Bregman collected a season-high four hits as the Astros scored four times in the first inning. Bryan King and Luis Contreras both made their major league debut for the Astros, successively pitching one scoreless inning each in the eighth and ninth.[66]
The Astros reached a .500 winning percentage (40–40) for the first time in 2024 on June 26 following a 7–1 win over Colorado which concluded a two-game sweep at Minute Maid Park and established a season-high seven-game winning steak. Arrighetti (4–6) set a personal achievement with 10 strikeouts, which also set the highest for the Astros' rotation for the season to date.[67]
On June 30, Altuve was ejected from the game against the New York Mets after arguing that a ball he had hit was not in play. He was ruled thrown out on a ground ball to Mark Vientos, but did not run out the batted ball after it instead appeared to have struck his left foot.[68]
In June, Brown pitched to a 1.16 ERA, 4–0 W–L, 36 strikeouts, and 8 walks over 31 innings. He posted the lowest ERA in MLB for the month.[69]
July
The Astros won on July 1 for the 10th time in 11 games with a 3–1 win over Toronto. Hunter Brown (5–6) pitched six shutout innings with two hits and three walks allowed, and Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña both homered for Houston.[70] On July 3, Altuve stroked a tie-breaking single in a four-run seventh inning Alvarez homered for a third consecutive game, doubled twice and also scored via an intentional base on balls. Catcher Yainer Díaz also reached base four times and drove in three runs.[71]
The Rangers snapped the Astros' 10-game home winning streak on July 13 via a 2–1 extra innings score. Spencer Arrighetti left with a 1–1 tie after six solid innings. Mauricio Dubón was ejected on the final out of the ninth inning after arguing a review that upheld that he was out at first base on a groundout. In the top of the tenth, Tayler Scott (6–3) surrendered an RBI single to Nathaniel Lowe for the deciding run. Though the Astros outhit the Rangers, 9–4, each team stranded at least 10 baserunners, including the Astros twice stranding the bases loaded.[72]
The Astros had three players selected to the All-Star Game, played at Globe Life Field, including Jose Altuve, who extended his club-record ninth selection, and Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker who both were selected for their third consecutive Mid-Summer Classic.[73]
Behind six scoreless innings from Hunter Brown on July 19, the Astros (51–46) defeated the Seattle Mariners (52–47), 3–0, to take the AL West lead by a percentage point and for the first time on the season. Since his last start in April, Brown was 8–2, 2.55 ERA, and 1.12 WHIP in 14 games and 13 starts. Yainer Díaz hit a two-run single to lead the Astros' offense.[45] With this win, the Astros evaporated a 10-game deficit to the then-first place Mariners in a span of 24 games, which was the quickest that large of a lead was eliminated in major league history, per the ESB.[74]
On July 21, Álvarez hit for the cycle at T-Mobile Park, the first of his career, in a loss 6–4 to Seattle. It was the 10th cycle in franchise history and first since Altuve hit one August 28, 2023, versus Boston.[75][76]
The Astros activated Victor Caratini from the IL on July 22.[77]
On July 30, the Astros acquired starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade for rookies Jake Bloss and Joey Loperfido and minor league prospect Will Wagner.[78] On the same day, the Astros acquired left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson from the Yankees for minor league pitcher Kelly Austin.[79]
In 6–2 a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 30, Yainer Díaz was 4-for-4 with a home run, his second career four-hit game. Over his previous 30 games, he had hit .374 with 46 hits and 24 RBI.[80] On July 31, Dubón hit his first career pinch hit home run, a two-run home run the sixth inning to cap a 5–4 win over Pittsburgh. It was the Astros' second pinch-hit home run of the season, following Caratini's on April 30 vs the Guardians.[81]
Later on August 2, trade deadline acquisition Yusei Kikuchi made his Astros debut versus Tampa Bay, which was notable in multiple ways. He became the first Japanese-born pitcher in club history to start a game.[83] Second, he tied a franchise record with eight consecutive strikeouts, of which that streak ended on a full count walk to Yandy Díaz.[f][84] By tallying 11 total strikeouts, he had the most in an Astros debut since Gerrit Cole on April 1, 2018,[83] and to that point, Kikuchi's total represented the season high for the staff. He exited after 5+2⁄3 innings and allowing three hits, two runs, and two walks in a contest the Astros held on to win, 3–2.[84]
On August 3, outfielder Pedro León made his major league debut, collected a single versus Rays started Zack Littell in first at bat, and was thrown out by center fielder Jonny DeLuca attempting to stretch it into a double.[85]
Tampa Bay pitching combined on a three-hit shut out of the Astros, 1–0, on August 4. Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (4–10) struck out 12 of 23 batters faced while allowing the only run of the game over six innings to establish a new career-high in strikeouts as well as the season-high for the staff to that point. The 10th consecutive game that Astros pitching struck at least 10, that tied for a second-longest streak in major league history.[86]
On August 6 at Globe Life Field, Alvarez connected for his 150th career home run to establish a franchise record by reaching the mark in 590 games. This eclipsed the effort in 133 fewer games accomplished by former teammate George Springer. Alvarez also became the eighth-fastest in major league history hit 150.[87] A two-run home run, Alvarez hit it in the top of the ninth to give Houston a 4–0 lead over Texas. Meanwhile, Astros starter Framber Valdez came within one out of tossing his second career no-hitter. Corey Seager, representing Texas' final out, hit a two-run home against Valdez with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to make the score 4–2. Josh Hader relieved and got final out of the game to allow the Astros to secure the victory by the same score. Valdez also had had a perfect game going into the sixth until Jonah Heim reached on a Bregman throwing error.[88] Prospect Zach Dezenzo made his major league debut on August 6, going 0-for-4 as the designated hitter.[89]
On August 9, Jose Altuve hit his 224th career home run to pass Jimmy Wynn for fourth place all-time in Astros' history, which tied the game and catalyzed an 8–4 victory against the Boston Red Sox.[90]
Arrighetti, Houston's starting pitcher for August 10, struck out 13 batters versus Boston. Following up the 12-strikeout performance versus Tampa Bay, he became the first American League rookie to strike out 12 batters each in consecutive starts. Hader closed out the game to convert his 25th consecutive save opportunity, surpassing Brad Lidge's franchise record.[91] Dezenzo hit his first major league home run [92]
Alvarez and Bregman were named AL co-Players of the Week for the week ended August 11, 2024. The pair combined to lead the Astros to 5 wins over 6 games over Boston and Texas; Bregman batted .444, 1.389 OPS, three doubles, three home runs, three walks, and six RBI. Alvarez hit .421 with a 1.777 OPS, five home runs, eight RBI, and seven BB. This was the second occurrence in club history with co-Players of the Week; on September 10, 2000, Richard Hidalgo and Julio Lugo shared the honors.[93]
The Astros reached a season-high 8-game winning streak on August 14 by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays, 2–1, in 10 innings. Mauricio Dubón ended an 0-for-14 slump when he hit an RBI single up the middle in the top of the 10th. Jeremy Peña’s leadoff home run in the top of the fifth against Rays starter Zack Littell was the Astros' only other hit, marking the first time in club history they won in extra innings with fewer than three hits. The last time the Astros won a game with just two hits was on September 5, 2017. [94]
Making his major league debut on August 17, Shay Whitcomb authored two hits and one walk versus the Chicago White Sox, including a double in his first at bat versus Chris Flexen. Whitcomb started at third base in place of an injured Alex Bregman. Hunter Brown (11–7) allowed one run over seven innings to lead a 6–1 win.[95]
The Astros overcame four errors on August 19 when Yainer Díaz hit his first career walk-off home run to secure a 5–4 victory over the Red Sox and win for the 11th time in 12 games. It was Díaz' first walk-off hit since July 24, 2023, versus the Rangers.[96] On August 21, Justin Verlander (3–3) returned to the mound for his first major league start since June 9, pitched five innings and surrendered two runs as the Houston dropped the series finale to the Boston Red Sox, 4–1.[97]
Waiver wire claim Ben Gamel made his Astros debut on August 22 and drove in his first two runs of the season with two hits and Whitcomb collected the first two RBI of his career off Corbin Burnes at Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Astros won, 6–0. Arrgihetti started and tossed the first six innings, allowing just three hits.[98]
In the finale versus Philadelphia on August 28, Arrighetti took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, Yordan Alvarez hit three home runs, and Jose Altuve stole home to lead a 10–0 win. Arrighetti tossed new career-high 7+2⁄3 innings with 11 strikeouts. Alvarez was 4-for-4 with a walk in his third career three-home-run game. Altuve stole home in the first, which was the Astros' first run. Alvarez joined Altuve as the only Astros with a three-home run game and hitting for the cycle in the same season (2023). It was Alvarez' first three-home run game since September 16, 2022, versus Oakland.[99]
On August 29, outfielder Jason Heyward hit a key two-run double in the eighth inning of his Astros debut, Zach Dezenzo drew a bases-loaded walk and Mauricio Dubón followed Dezenzo with a two-run single to spearhead a 6–3 comeback win versus the Kansas City Royals.[100] The following day, Framber Valdez departed after 7 no-hit innings versus Kansas City; however, the no-hit bid was lost when Bryan Abreu allowed a single in the eighth inning to pinch hitter Kyle Isbel. Josh Hader allowed a game-tying two-run home run at 2–2 to Paul DeJong in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the ninth, Jose Altuve hit a walk-off double that scored Jake Meyers for a 3–2 win, making Hader (7–7) the winning pitcher.[101] The DeJong home run ended Hader's streak of consecutive saves at 29, thus establishing the Astros' franchise record.[102]
The Astros' pitching staff combined for an MLB-best 2.51 ERA for the month of August, and their .185 batting average against (BAA) was the second-lowest for one month by any team in major league history.[103] They also set a team record for strikeouts (291) for the month of August.[104] Accordingly, two Astros were recognized with monthly awards: Spencer Arrighetti as AL Rookie of the Month, and Josh Hader as AL Reliever of the Month. Arrighetti posted a 1.95 ERA, 0.90 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and 47 strikeouts over 32+1⁄3 innings. Hader, meanwhile, surrendered 1 earned run over 13+1⁄3 innings (0.68 ERA), 0.60 WHIP and .071 BAA.[105]
September
On September 1, Yordan Alvarez hit two home runs and Jon Singleton hit another home run to back Ronel Blanco (10–6) in 5 shutout innings the Astros took the finale, 7–2, and four-game sweep. Alvarez joined Jeff Bagwell[g] as the only Astros with four or more consecutive 30 home runs seasons. Yuli Gurriel—the 2021 AL batting champion and Gold Glover and a key member of the Astros' playoff runs from 2017–22—made his 2024 debut at Minute Maid Park as the Royals' designated hitter, and had an RBI single in the sixth inning versus Tayler Scott.[106]
Arrigehetti (7–12) allowed nine runs to the Cincinnati Reds in 2⁄3 inning on September 4 that led to an eventual 12–5 Astros loss at Great American Ball Park.[107] On September 5, the Reds swept the Astros to improve to nine straight wins between the two clubs, led by Ty France's 9-for-11 effort in the series. After Hunter Brown allowed four hits over six innings in the series finale, Bryan Abreu (2–3) served up the game-winning home run—and only run—to France in the seventh inning, leading to a 1–0 score. Joe Espada was ejected for the fourth time after arguing a strikeout with call against a hit-by-pitch of Alex Bregman in the same at bat.[108]
On September 6, Alvarez hit a pair of three-run home runs and Framber Valdez (14–6) hurled seven two-hit shutout innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks to lead an 8–0 win over the major leagues' top-scoring offense. His seventh multi-home run game of the season, Alvarez tied Chris Carter for the club record, set in 2014. Kyle Tucker drew a walk and was hit by a pitch in his first game back since fouling a ball off his shin on June 3.[109]
Jon Singleton hit his first career triple on September 10 versus Oakland, which drove in a run, and led to his hit representing a second run. Bryan Abreu struck out a career-high five in two innings of work as the A's outlasted the Astros, 4–3.[110] The Astros salvaged the finale of the three-game series versus Oakland, 6–3, led by Valdez' one run allowed over 6+1⁄3 innings, Jason Heyward's first home run as a member of the Astros, and Singeton's three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI.[111]
Tucker was announced on September 11 as the Astros' nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, whose foundation assists those in hospice care and children with cancer diagnoses.[112]
On September 13, the Astros secured the 5,000th win in franchise history with a 5–3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Yusei Kikuchi (9–9, 5–0 with Houston) was the winning pitcher; Houston thus far remained unbeaten in the eight games started by Kikuchi. Alex Bregman (23) and Yordan Alvarez (33) both homered for Houston.[113] Josh Hader recorded his 30th save, reaching the milestone for a fourth consecutive season.[4]
The Astros placed Gamel on the 10-day IL on September 17, retroactive to September 15, with fractured left fibula. Originally left out of the lineup on the basis of a left kneecontusion, he sustained the injury after running into the outfield wall to make a catch in Anaheim. As a member of the Astros, Gamel slashed 259/.377/.362 over 20 games.[114]
Starter Dylan Cease pitched into the ninth on September 18 for the San Diego Padres to outduel seven strong innings from Framber Valdez, and Astros reliever Kaleb Ort allowed three consecutive home runs without recording an out to hand the Astros a 4–1 loss. The three home runs were hit in the eighth by Manny Machado, Fernando Tatís Jr., and Donovan Solano. Valdez (14–7) allowed one run in his outing. Cease (14–11) retired his first 15 batters faced until Jason Heyward led off the sixth with a single and continued into the ninth having allowed only Heyward's hit. Mauricio Dubón raced to get an infield single and Jose Altuve reached on an error on a ground ball. Closer Tanner Scott took over for Cease; however, he got the final two outs to complete the save (21) and Padres' two-hitter.[115] Astros setup manBryan Abreu logged his 100th strikeout, a second consecutive season with the total. He joined Octavio Dotel (2001–02) Lidge (3 consecutive, 2004–06) as the only relievers to achieve such seasons consecutively as members of the Astros.[116]
In Kikuchi's start on September 19, he allowed five hits, one run and struck out nine over six innings as the Astros defeated Los Angeles, 5–3. The ninth win for the club in his first nine starts, that set a franchise record, surpassing eight consecutive team wins to start their Astros careers shared by Roy Oswalt (2001) and Verlander (2018). It was the longest such streak in the major leagues since John Burkett with the 2002 Boston Red Sox.[117]
The Astros placed RHP Tayler Scott on the 15-day IL due to thoracic spine strain. Through the point of the roster move, Scott had made the third-most appearances for the Astros and had produced a 2.23 ERA, 25.2% strikeout rate, and 3.5% barrel rate over his 68+2⁄3 innings. He did struggle with walks, however, at 12.4%.[118]
On September 21, the Astros racked a season-high 20 hits to drive a 10–4 win over the Angels. Led by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker amassing four hits and a home run apiece, starter Ronel Blanco's hurled a sublime six-inning effort. Batting 2nd and 3rd respectively, each of Alverez' and Tucker's hits occurred successively as replicated hit types, including two singles, a double, and a home run. In the seventh inning, the pair went deep, the seventh time on the season that the Astros hit back-to-back home runs. Víctor Caratini hit a three-run home in the fourth inning, to break open the game. Jake Meyers was 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, and a stolen base. Blanco (12–6) allowed two runs and seven hits over six innings while getting nine strikeouts.[119] Tucker's four-hit game was his second consecutive, making him the 14th Astro to accomplish the feat, and first since Michael Brantley on July 5–7, 2019.[120]
The Astros clinched the AL West division title on September 24 with a 4–3 victory over Seattle, their seventh division title over the past eight seasons and seventh overall in the AL West, and 14th in franchise history.[h] Their fourth consecutive division title, that represented longest streak in the AL West since the 1971–1975 Oakland Athletics, who won three consecutive World Series in 1972, 1973, and 1974.[74]
Ronel Blanco, in his final regular season start, allowed one hit in five innings versus Cleveland to lead a 5–2 win. He remained unbeaten in his final nine starts of the season and posted a 0.75 ERA in four September starts. The Astros, after a 7–19 start in April, had gone 80–54 following for the second-best record in the majors over that span.[121]
From July 31 through the end of the season, Astros starting pitching led the majors in innings pitched (299+1⁄3) and were second in ERA (3.07).[122]
Blanco, who was named the BBWAA Houston Astros' Pitcher of the Year, led the AL in batting average against (.190), but also surrender the highest base on balls percentage (10.1%) among qualified pitchers. Valdez allowed the highest hard-hit percentage (45.6%), the 8th-highest exit velocity (89.9 mph), induced the fourth-lowest OPS against (.610), and the highest ground ball rate (59.8%); Hunter Brown was fifth at 48.3%. Brown surrendered both the lowest exit velocity (86.0 mph) and hard-hit rate (30.3%), and was eighth in home run rate (2.5%) and ninth in strikeout rate (25.1%).[123]
The Astros, seeded third in the American League (AL) playoff rankings, faced the Detroit Tigers, seeded sixth, in the AL Wild Card Series held at Minute Maid Park. Managing for the Tigers was A. J. Hinch, who had led the Astros to their first World Series title in 2017, now facing his former team in a postseason tournament. As such, Hinch became the third manager in MLB history to accomplish this feat.[i] Hinch was terminated by the Astros in the aftermath of the 2020 sign-stealing scandal[124]
Game 1
Framber Valdez (0–1) started Game 1 for the Astros, lasted 4+1⁄3 innings, and surrendered three runs on seven hits. The Tigers struck in the second inning, when Wenceel Pérez singled with one out and Spencer Torkelson drew a walk. Parker Meadows grounded into a fielder's choice, resulting in runners on the corners. Jake Rogers, Trey Sweeney and Matt Vierling followed with consecutive RBI singles for a 3–0 lead. Tigers starter and AL Triple crown-winner Tarik Skubal (1–0) tossed six shutout innings in his playoff debut as the Tigers prevailed, 3–1.[125] Ronel Blanco made his major league postseason debut, Tossing two scoreless innings in relief. Blanco maintained the Astros' deficit at 3–1 as he surrendered one hit, three walks, and struck out four.[126]
Game 2
Hunter Brown started Game 2 for the Astros, for his first career postseason start, and eighth career appearance overall. He struck out nine in 5+1⁄3 innings. Setup man Ryan Pressly took the loss in Game 2 with 3 earned runs surrendered in 2⁄3 inningas as the Tigers swept the Astros were swept. A wild pitch in the top of the 8th inning allowed Kerry Carpenter to score and tie the contest 2–2, accounting for Pressly's first career blown save in the postseason after having converted each of his first 14 opportunities.[127] Hader surrendered three hits and two bases on balls in 1⁄3 innings. The Astros lost their seventh consecutive postseason contest at home, and their run of qualifying for seven consecutive League Championship Series was stopped.[128]
With the 28th slot in the MLB draft order, the Astros selected catcher Walker Janek from Sam Houston State University for their first-round pick.[129] In 2024, Janek was the Buster Posey Award winner.[130] Over 58 games during his junior season, he batted .364 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI.[131]
The Astros forfeited their second-round selection in this year's draft as a result of signing free agent Josh Hader during the prior offseason, who had declined a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres.[132]
On September 26, Sugar Land swept the Reno Aces for the franchise's first-ever PCL championship, 5–2. Pedro León and Trey Cabbage hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning for Sugar Land, and Cooper Hummel added a run-scoring double. Miguel Ullola shut out Reno over four innings, and Logan VanWey, Forrest Whitley, Luis Contreras and Wander Suero (save credited) tossed a combined 3+2⁄3 scoreless frames. Suero had also established the franchise's record for saves at 37. The Space Cowboys posted a minor-league best 93–56 record. It was the first PCL title for an Astros affiliate since the Fresno Grizzlies won in 2015.[203]
The Space Cowboys next won the Triple-A National Championship Game, 13–6, over the Omaha Storm Chasers, marking the final game of the season in all minor league baseball and Sugar Land's first-ever such championship. Shay Whitcomb was 3-for-5 while stroking a three-run double as he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).[204]
^Further, Altuve joined Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Derek Jeter, Willie Mays, and Paul Molitor as the only major leaguers hit at least a .300 lifetime batting average and reach 2,000 hits, 400 doubles, 200 home runs and 300 steals.
^Designated for assignment on April 8, cleared waivers and rejected optional assignment to AAA Sugar Land on April 11, and resigned with Astros as free agent the next day.
^ abWaived, went unclaimed and outrighted to AAA Sugar Land.
^Designated for assignment on July 31 and accepted optional assignment to AAA Sugar Land on August 3.
^Also Astros' nominee for MLB-wide award, with selectee to be announced after the season.
^Astros' nominees for MLB-wide award, won by Salvador Pérez of the Kansas City Royals.[177]
^Unavailable to participate; was replaced in the starting lineup by Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers, and on the American League roster by Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins.[179]
^Unavailable to participate due to injury; was replaced on the American League roster by Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles.[179]
^ abcdefghIncludes 22 games with Toronto Blue Jays and 10 with Houston Astros.
^Schwab, Michael [@michaelschwab13] (September 18, 2024). "Bryan Abreu has posted a 3.18 ERA with 100 strikeouts this season" (Tweet). Houston. Retrieved September 19, 2024 – via Twitter. Became the third reliever in Astros history to log 100+ strikeouts in back-to-back seasons, joining RHP Octavio Dotel (2001-02) and RHP Brad Lidge (2004-06), per the Astros
