Next Up with Stan Norfleet & Chris Gordy SportsTalk 790 (KBME-AM)

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros losing 5-3 to the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday at Oracle Park. Framber Valdez started on the mound Wednesday, recording a season-low four innings while allowing eight hits and five earned runs. The Astros dropped the series to the Giants 2-1 and are now 8.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins to discuss the lack of production from the first base position. 

Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up after the San Francisco Giants defeated the Astros 5-3 Wednesday at Oracle Park. Framber Valdez started on the mound, recording a season-low four innings while allowing eight hits and five earned runs. "That's a tough call to make" to pull Valdez early, but "when guys are elevating off of him, it's not good," Bogusevic said. The Astros dropped the three game series to the Giants 2-1, have lost three out of their last four games, land at a 31-38 record on the season and fall 8.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. Bogusevic says "it's the veteran guys...that got to lead the way" for a postseason spot. "They have to turn leads into wins every time." Jon Singleton returned to the lineup Wednesday, batting in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter, but went 0-4 at the plate. Jose Abreu started at first base and batted eighth, going 0-3 with his at-bats. In regards to playing Abreu, "I don't think it's Joe Espada's decision," Bogusevic said. Espada and Dana Brown "are being handed a roster that they need to play." The Astros are "just stuck with that you have...until you find a better option." The MLB trade deadline falls on July 30, and Bogusevic says the Astros are "going to be in position to add" to the roster. "They can only get better," and the main acquisitions would need to address "starting pitching" and "a big bat somewhere" in the lineup.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to former Houston Texans head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien, who made an appearance on the "Next Up With Adam Breneman" podcast to reflect on his time in Houston, saying he regretted taking on the general manager responsibility.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros defeating the San Francisco Giants 3-1 to tie the series at a game apiece. After two consecutive walk-off losses, the Astros rebounded Tuesday as Ronel Blanco started on the mound and struck out eight batters, allowing only one run in six innings. The bullpen protected the lead with Tayler Scott, Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly each throwing a scoreless inning. The Astros will attempt to win three series in a row with the final game against the Giants on Wednesday. Stan and Chris give the latest updates on Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz who are both dealing with injury, review comments from Bill O'Brien who addressed his time as the Texans head coach and general manager, react to the passing of NBA legend Jerry West and more.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Astros losing 4-3 on the road to the San Francisco Giants in their second walk-off loss in a row. Spencer Arrighetti started on the mound and allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out six in just over five innings. However, the Astros would not be able to hold onto their lead when Rafael Montero allowed three runs on four hits in the bottom of the 10th inning. The Astros move to a 30-37 record on the season, 7.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. As injuries continue to plague the lineup and pitching rotation, will the Astros finalize trades before the MLB deadline on July 30 in an attempt to make a push for the postseason? Stan and Chris review trade proposals for the Astros, recap dinner with Matt Thomas of The Matt Thomas Show and more.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the Houston Astros winning two out of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Angels. The Astros lost 9-7 on Sunday after Ryan Pressly took the mound in the eighth inning and allowed a pair of runs that tied the game at seven. Josh Hader got the Astros out of the eighth but gave up a walk-off home run in the ninth. The injuries continue to pile up after third baseman Alex Bregman was hit by a pitch in his left hand, which led him to exit the game. Left fielder Kyle Tucker was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shin contusion. The Astros continue their road trip with the first of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Stan and Chris discuss a possible trade for Astros center fielder Jake Meyers, talk with KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson about Texans minicamp, discuss the Dallas Mavericks losing two games in the NBA Finals and more.