McTaggart On AL West Lead: 'I Don't See Them Taking Their Foot Off The Gas'

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show following the Astros losing the three-game series to the Boston Red Sox after Wednesday's 4-1 defeat.

Justin Verlander allowed four hits and two runs with six strikeouts in five innings during his first start since June 9. "He looked like typical Verlander," and now the Astros are "in a six-man rotation," McTaggart said.

Alex Bregman returned to the lineup as a designated hitter after missing five games with right elbow inflammation. While he has not mentioned any discomfort, Bregman will probably not play at third base in the coming games. This creates a challenge in the lineup, as Yordan Alvarez will have to play more left field. "This outfield here in Baltimore is massive."

While the Astros have a five-game lead in the AL West, "I don't see them taking their foot off the gas until they clinch the division," because they "certainly have some challenges ahead."

McTaggart also gives an update on Kyle Tucker and comments on reliever Hector Neris returning to the Astros.