Brian McTaggart: Astros 'Stabilizing A Little Bit' On 4-Game Win Streak

The Matt Thomas Show

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show to recap the Astros four-game win streak following a 3-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have won three straight against the A's with the final game of the series on Thursday. Framber Valdez started on the mound Wednesday and threw seven scoreless innings. Seth Martinez pitched in last innings to combine for a two-hit shutout. "Things are stabilizing a little bit" as starters are going deeper into games, McTaggart said. Cristian Javier will start on the mound Thursday, hoping to improve upon his last outing; however, J.P. France continues to deal with a shoulder injury, and it will be a "matter on months, not weeks" until a possible return. Ronel Blanco was ejected before the start of the fourth inning Tuesday when the third base umpire found a foreign substance on his glove. Blanco has since received a 10-game suspension. "I don't think we'll ever know" what specific substance was found on Blanco's glove, McTaggart said. The Astros cannot send down a position player and bring up a pitcher to replace Blanco on the roster during his suspension. McTaggart also discusses Brandon Bielak getting traded to the A's, Ryan Pressly struggling to adjust to his eighth inning role, Mauricio Dubon's spot in the lineup and more.