Astros Manager Joe Espada Says Alex Bregman Will Not 'Stay Down' In Lineup

Manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show following the Houston Astros 9-2 victory in the first of a four-game series against the Oakland A's.

Third baseman Alex Bregman broke out of his recent slump, recording two homers and four RBIs in the opener of a 10-game homestand at Minute Maid Park. Bregman, who was moved from fourth to sixth in the lineup, is "not going to stay down there the whole season," and "he's starting to get those positive results," Espada said.

Spencer Arrighetti started on the mound and picked up his first Major League win, earning five strikeouts in five innings. Arrighetti has "turned a corner" and "his work ethic is definitely something we don't question."

Cristian Javier returned from injury Saturday in the 8-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers, allowing seven runs on five hits and four walks over 1.1 innings. "He looked rusty," but "I expect him to be much better" in his next start.

Espada also gives an update on Chas McCormick and Jose Urquidy who are on rehab assignment, discusses keeping Yainer Diaz fresh and provides insight into his decisions concerning Mauricio Dubon's various spots in the lineup.