Manager Joe Espada: Astros 'Haven't Been Able To Put Everything Together'

The Matt Thomas Show

Manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show to review the Houston Astros losing 6-1 to the Atlanta Braves on Monday at Minute Maid Park. The Astros are now 6-12 to start the season, and Espada says they "haven't been able to put everything together both offensively and defensively." Things fell apart in the first game against the Braves when Josh Hader took the mound in a non-save situation with the Braves leading 2-1. Hader allowed four runs on four hits and a walk in the top of the ninth inning. "I still want the city to be excited about the backend of our bullpen," we just have "got to be able to hit our spots," and "we'll turn things around," Espada said. Despite the loss, Spencer Arrighetti had a strong start on the mound in his home debut, getting 15 swings-and-misses out of his 87 pitches. "His presence on the mound was better" than his debut against the Kansas City Royals, and "his performance was better than what the box score showed." Espada also discusses Forrest Whitley getting called-up, Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez's return and Hunter Brown maintaining his confidence.