Crush City Territory: A Houston Astros Podcast

The Tampa Bay Rays, armed with the best record in the American League, outclassed the Astros in a series sweep at Tropicana Field that pared Houston's AL West lead to one game. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the three-game series, Yordan Alvarez's ankle-related absence, Jeremy Peña's continued struggles and manager Joe Espada's decision to not intentionally walk Junior Caminero in the series opener. The two then discuss the revelation that Carlos Correa could play second base upon his return to the team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cam Smith homered in all three games of the Astros' series win in Philadelphia, including a go-ahead, solo shot in the ninth inning on Thursday against Phillies closer Jhoan Duran. Is the aircraft carrier finally breaking out? Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss that, Yordan Alvarez's continued power outage, Hunter Brown's late-season switch to becoming a sinkerballer and Carlos Correa's continued progress as he attempts to make a late-season return. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros started their six-game gauntlet with a gutty win against the Phillies on Tuesday night. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic’s Chandler Rome go live before Game 2 on Wednesday, discussing Hayden Wesneski’s continued excellence, Yordan Alvarez's prolonged homer-less drought, the bullpen showing some cracks in the foundation and how the lineup must function for the last 17 games. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros dropped two of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a series that saw Houston's bullpen take a substantial hit while Yordan Alvarez broke out of his home run drought. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Steven Okert's injury and how the Astros' bullpen may respond, Alvarez's career-high 38 home runs and how the team's top-heavy lineup can create any length. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros took three out of four from the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox and crept closer to a first-round bye in the AL playoff picture. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the series win, Hayden Wesneski's impressive return from Tommy John surgery, Jose Altuve's ability to hit high balls for home runs and how the Astros' offense can improve across the season's final month. Start your FOX One 3-day Free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros general manager Dana Brown joined Foul Territory on Tuesday and made his first extensive comments since being dismissed. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome analyzed some of Brown's most revealing comments before discussing the latest in Carlos Correa's recovery from ankle surgery, Tatsuya Imai's continued absence in the bullpen and Mike Burrows' shoulder injury. To watch Dana Brown's full interview on Foul Territory, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAk8X1YkzP8 Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the behest of Jeff Bagwell, the Astros brought back venerated pitching coach Brent Strom as a pitching consultant in hopes of catalyzing a late-season turnaround. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss how Strom got back to the ballclub, the areas he can improve and what his presence means for the future of the organization. The duo then breaks down Hunter Brown's dominant start against the New York Mets and the Astros' continued search for outfield continuity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros owner Jim Crane spoke for the first time on Tuesday since parting ways with general manager Dana Brown. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Crane's comments, the future of manager Joe Espada, what doomed Brown and where Crane may look next for his new head of baseball operations. To read Jim Crane's full Q&A with reporters on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, click here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7538910/2026/08/25/qa-astros-jim-crane-joe-espada-decisions/?unlocked_article_code=1.8VA.GMMz.-eY10Cfv3P_k&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros and Dana Brown parted ways on Monday, ending a three-and-a-half year tenure for Houston's general manager. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss why Brown was dismissed now, what led to his downfall, what this means for manager Joe Espada and where the Astros go from here. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros ended an embarrassing homestand with their worst loss of the season — blowing a six-run lead against the lowly A's, who entered play with the worst record in baseball. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Houston's horrific 3-6 homestand, the ramifications on its playoff pursuit, what can be fixed to get things on the right track and how Joe Espada's absence accentuated that this isn't a managerial issue. See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a humiliating 18-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday — and a series loss against the second-worst team in the American League — is the Houston Astros place atop the AL West in peril? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' dispiriting series loss to the Angels, the unbalanced nature of their top-heavy roster, the rotation's continued struggles and what they made of rookie Ethan Pecko's major-league debut. See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a thrilling comeback on Friday night, the Astros squandered a chance to bury the Seattle Marines in the AL West race, dropping the final two games of their series. A better opportunity lies ahead, though, against two of the worst teams in the American League. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the series loss, Hunter Brown's continued struggles, the state of Houston's starting rotation and how to approach playing two terrible teams during a must-win stretch. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Pecko did not make his scheduled start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday — perhaps in preparation to make his major-league debut next week against the Angels. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic’s Chandler Rome discuss Pecko’s potential call-up before previewing the finale of an already wild Astros-Mariners series. Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros are in playoff position despite uncertainty in both their front office and pitching staff. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome field listener questions about both problems and address the status of general manager Dana Brown, Tatsuya Imai's viability as a playoff pitcher, where AJ Blubaugh fits best and some prospects that could help bolster this staff. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite deep funks from Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes, the Astros managed a 3-3 West Coast road trip buoyed by their bullpen. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Houston's six-game swing, how superb the bullpen has been, how top-heavy the Astros' offense has become and what lies ahead during a pivotal, nine-game AL West homestand. Head to Factormeals.com/foul50off and use code foul50off to get 50% off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026 Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After an underwhelming trade deadline netted them only Daulton Varsho, the Astros are still searching for upgrades to their roster — specifically a right-handed hitting bench bat to give manager Joe Espada more flexibility late in games. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss some potential candidates and why the Astros need them in the first place before analyzing the first two games of Houston's series against the San Diego Padres and the viability of Peter Lambert's success in the rotation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of an underwhelming trade deadline, the Astros dropped two of three against the Toronto Blue Jays while questions about the sustainability of their starting rotation lingered. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the deadline fallout, the state of Houston's starting rotation, Cristian Javier's importance to the rest of the season, Carlos Correa's possible return and whether Josh Hader will throw multiple innings again this season. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Monday's trade deadline, the Astros improved their outfield by acquiring center fielder Daulton Varsho, but failed to fortify a struggling starting rotation. The Athletic's Chandler Rome discusses Varsho's addition, why the Astros couldn't add to their starting rotation, Dana Brown's awkward balance between the present and future and why Houston parted with Spencer Arrighetti to get Varsho to Houston. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros never trailed in a statement sweep of the Texas Rangers, which vaulted Houston into first place in the American League West while intensifying attention around their actions at Monday's trade deadline. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the sweep, Yordan Alvarez's continued absurdity and the anemic state of the American League West before analyzing the Astros' position at the trade deadline and the possibility of Carlos Correa returning at some point this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trade deadline is four days away and the Astros remain in search of outfield upgrades and, perhaps, right-handed pitching. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome spend this episode answering listener questions about the deadline, Jeremy Peña's future in Houston, the potential of a reunion with George Springer and what other targets may present themselves across the next four days. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Baseball America is the best place to learn about all the prospects on the move this Trade Deadline season. Now through Monday, our viewers get 30% off the first year of any digital, annual subscription with promo code CrushCity30. That's code CrushCity30 at BaseballAmerica.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.