Joe Espada Talks Astros Falling Back In Division, Production At First Base

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show following a 3-3 road trip against the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants.

Framber Valdez started on the mound Wednesday, recording a season-low four innings while allowing eight hits and five earned runs. Espada said it "was [his] decision" to pull Valdez and rely on the bullpen. The Astros lost 5-3 against the Giants, dropping the series 2-1.

With the Seattle Mariners beating the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, the Astros are now 8.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. "It's not where we want to be," Espada said. "Adversity is what makes and builds your character," but there's "no time to feel sorry for anyone."

The Astros return to Minute Maid Park for a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers starting Friday. "This storm shall pass, and it will."

The Astros offense has suffered without Kyle Tucker or Yainer Diaz in the lineup; however, Diaz is "moving in the right direction" and is expected to play Friday. Tucker will not play Friday but could return sometime "over the weekend."

Jon Singleton appeared in the lineup Wednesday, batting in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter, but went 0-4 at the plate. Jose Abreu started at first base and batted eighth, going 0-3 with his at-bats. "Jon deserves an opportunity to play," but "we need to get some production" from first base. "We need Jose to turn a corner," Espada said.