Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show following Monday's 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Astros dropped the opening game of the three-game road series after Bryce Harper hit a walk-off RBI single to win in the 10th inning.
The Astros offense was unable to generate much production, and the defense committed a handful of errors in a matchup of division leaders. "It's that time of the year where you need to bring your A-game every single night," Espada said. "We're in a very long stretch," and "good teams take advantage of extra outs."
Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez are "feeling good" as both have returned to the lineup. Jose Altuve had a day off Monday, but "it's all hands on deck."
Kyle Tucker, who has been injured since June 3 when he fouled a ball off the shin, has been seen working out and shagging fly balls in an attempt to return in early September, according to general manager Dana Brown. "He wants to be on the field so bad."
After September 1, all MLB teams will have an expanded roster of 28 players up from the standard 26. Rafael Montero, who was designated for assignment at the end of July, "has made some adjustments" while in Triple-A Sugar Land, and Forrest Whitley is "also someone we are considering" adding to the expanded roster.
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