Hinch will use quick hook if need arises
Manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday he will be “pretty aggressive” with the Astros bullpen “if need be,” behind starter Charlie Morton in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday.
Hampered by right shoulder discomfort, Morton pitched only 15 innings in September. He has not thrown in a game since his three-inning start on Sept. 30 against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Morton threw one simulated game during the lead up to the American League Championship Series.
“We discussed just trying to get some rest, take advantage of this time, get some rest and try to stay sharp at the same time,” said Morton, who set a career high with 201 strikeouts in 1671⁄3 regular-season innings.
Hinch said Tuesday he will allow Morton to pitch in Game 4 as long as he is effective. Since throwing 70 pitches against Arizona on Sept. 15, Morton has thrown a total of 55 pitches in two major league games.
“I know he feels the best he’s felt in the last month or so, that’s a good sign — he said that yesterday — I think adrenaline will go a long way. I think you just have to watch pitch quality,” Hinch said.
“We know our players, we’ll know when fatigue is starting to set in or when he’s not feeling or if he starts spraying the ball a little bit. I’ll be pretty aggressive with the bullpen, if need be, but I don’t want to doubt Charlie from the get-go or look for a problem that doesn’t exist before he gets into the game.” Chandler Rome
Troublesome knee leaves Altuve at DH
After reaggravating his right knee during the American League Division Series — and showing noticeable hindrance during the first two games of the American League Championship Series in Boston — Jose Altuve was the Astros’ designated hitter for Game 3 of the ALCS against the Red Sox.
Manager A.J. Hinch said Monday he was “considering” limiting the reigning AL MVP to DH duties and placing Marwin Gonzalez at second base.
Tuesday, the manager exacted his plan. Hinch informed Altuve of his decision at Fenway Park after Sunday night’s 7-5, Game 2 loss to the Red Sox.
“It’s bugging him,” Hinch said Tuesday. “He’s doing everything he can to play and he’s trying not to make a big deal out of it. I know moving him to the DH spot brings the first couple questions about it. But he’ll do anything we ask, which is commendable.”
It is the first time in Altuve’s 30-game postseason career he’s started anywhere but second base.
Asked if Altuve could return to second base in Game 4 or 5, Hinch said “maybe, but not necessarily.”
Altuve spent almost all of August on the disabled list with what the club termed “right knee soreness.”
It was the first trip to the disabled list of Altuve’s eight-year major league career.
Hinch’s Tuesday tweaking was understandable. Groundball specialist Dallas Keuchel started for the Astros and having the healthiest defense behind him is of top priority.
Tony Kemp started in place of Gonzalez in left field. He would have started the game regardless of Altuve’s condition, Hinch acknowledged.
“His knee is bothering him,” Hinch said of Altuve. “I want to give Dallas and the rest of our team ... putting Marwin at second is not a disadvantage, this was going to be the lineup regardless of the positioning.” Chandler Rome
Berkman believes in back-to-back titles
Lance Berkman didn’t mince words when setting expectations for his former team.
“I think they should repeat,” said Berkman, who threw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. “I think they have the best team in the game. Not to put any undue pressure on them because anything can happen, but I really expect they will because I think they have the best team.”
Berkman played in two World Series as a player — winning it all with the Cardinals in 2011 — and he sees at least one similarity in those teams and this edition of the Astros.
“We were just really close and not to say one causes the other, but I think the chemistry we had on those teams was a big part of our success,” Berkman said. “... (The 2005 Astros) weren’t as talented, but we had the same sort of feel as these guys do in terms of everyone rooting for each other and being one big family.”
Berkman also said current Astros star Alex Bregman reminds him of 2005 Astros cornerstone Roger Clemens, minus the Instagram adeptness.
“I think Bregman is an oldschool baseball player,” Berkman said. “All the really great players had a competive edge to them. Guys like a Roger Clemens: They wanted to beat you, and they let you know about it. That’s what I see when I see Alex Bregman.”
Berkman, who is entering his fourth season as Second Baptist High School’s head baseball coach, played for four teams in his 14-year big league career, but Berkman said there’s no question which team he represents.
“I’ll always be an Astro even though I played in some other places,” Berkman said. “I love to come back here, and it feels like home.” Matt Young