The Astros are playing well right now. Next week may be a different story, but that's not important. In their last 11 games, the 'Stros are 9-2 (including sweeps of the Cards and Phils) and their schedule only gets significantly easier from now on... starting with the last-place Diamondbacks.
↵In addition to the September call-ups, the Astros are receiving reinforcements in Jeff Keppinger and Matt Lindstrom.
↵The starting pitching has been carrying this team lately, giving up two or fewer runs in 10 of the past 11 games. And if Lindstrom can return to form, the 'Stros may quietly have an effective bullpen as well. Mills commented on Lindstrom's return to the closer role, but he may have to wait his turn:
↵↵↵"Is he going to take over (as the closer) at some point? Let's wait on that a little bit, simply because (Brandon) Lyon has done such a good job," said manager Brad Mills. "When (Lyon) has to be used so much, maybe we have to give him a day (off) and then maybe it goes to Lindy. I think we just have to kind of wait and see how everything plays out, but it was sure nice to see (Lindstrom) come through with a clean inning."
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Either way, it doesn't look like the Astros are slowing down any time soon. Don't quote me on this, but if you take a peak at their schedule, the Astros are well within range of finishing the year at or above .500.