Joe Espada Says Astros Need Quality Starts From JV 'To Get Us To October'

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show ahead of the three-game home series against the Oakland Athletics. Spencer Arrighetti will start on the mound Tuesday in an attempt to bounce back after allowing nine runs on six hits and three walks in the first inning of his last start.

Kyle Tucker was activated from the injured list Friday after being out for three months with a shin fracture. Tucker has played at the designated hitter position since returning, going 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored Monday against the Diamondbacks. "He feels good," Espada said. "He's ready" to play in the outfield, but "we're just trying to be smart."

Justin Verlander struggled in his fourth start since missing over two months with neck stiffness, giving up eight runs and eight hits, leaving the game in three innings. "He's not quite there yet," and "we have some adjustments to make."

Verlander's spot in the postseason rotation has been put into question, especially with Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown and Yusei Kikuchi leading the staff. "We need him to give us some quality starts to get us to October."