Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show after the Cincinnati Reds completed the series sweep over the Astros with Thursday's 1-0 result.
Hunter Brown allowed four hits and struck out six over six scoreless innings. However, the Astros offense was unable to bring runners home, giving the Reds nine consecutive wins over Houston. "They just got shut down pitching-wise," McTaggart said. "I think the one thing that is going to help is getting [Kyle] Tucker back."
Tucker is expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend after being out with a shin fracture for over three months. "They're going to want him at the top of that order."
When Tucker returns, "Ben Gamel" is a possibility to get sent down. "I think Chas [McCormick] is probably going to stay at this point."
McTaggart also discusses Spencer Arrighetti's "ups and downs" showcased through Wednesday's nine-run first inning following a near no-hitter performance the previous start and how Matt Chapman's deal with the San Francisco Giants will affect Alex Bregman's next contract.