July 29, 2025 • 8 mins
Houston Astros outfielder Jacob Melton joins Wex and AC to talk about his rehab, his reunion on the active roster, love of baseball, impact on the roster, influences in baseball and life on the road toward October baseball!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
We do have Astros outfielder Jacob Melton joining us here
on the A team. Jacob, we always make it easier
for those guests that join us in the two to
six portion of our day. It's Adam and Adam here
with you on the A team. Certainly appreciate your time
and obviously welcome you back to the team. What was
the last month and change like for you as you
(00:20):
had to be kept out of play due to that injury.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Yeah, for sure, obviously super excited to be back and
very grateful for the opportunity past month and a half
or so, I mean it's been tough. I mean it's
a tough year, I think in general kind of for
a lot of guys. For me, Scifa, I mean, I've
had a handful of things that have came up that
are kind of unforeseen, and especially at the ankle, and
then I feel like it's such a fluke thing and
(00:47):
really has the time to work through it and step
back and kind of evaluate how the first handful of
games in the Big League since it went for me.
So I felt like I got to make some mental
changes and I have the body in a good good
spot physically, and like I said, I'm super excited to
be back and be around the guys again.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
You mentioned what exactly what it was a fluke thing?
Did you Did you realize what had happened and maybe
the severity of it when it did?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
No, not at all. I mean, obviously I realized that
I rolled it, and I didn't think it was gonna
be anything big. I mean, I anticipated coming back into
the bug out, getting it taped up, and going back
out that next next inning. Didn't really think it was
too big of a deal. And I mean obviously as
we worked through it and got the pleets and stuff off,
(01:32):
and it was like, okay, that's pretty small and part
pretty bad. But even at that point, I didn't realize
I think, the severity of it and that it was
going to take as long as it did. Obviously fortunate
that it wasn't any worse than it was, and it
was something that I was going to be able to
come back from this year, obviously, so try to stay
(01:53):
stay positive with it and see the bright side of everything.
And like I said, it gave me a lot of
time to kind of sit back and evaluate how the
tenners went for me.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Jacob Melton joining us here on Sports Talk seven ninety.
You know, you mentioned the mental side of this game,
and I think, along with golf, it's probably the two
most mentally taxing at times professions that you could be
as an athlete. And it's not just you know, adjustments
at the plate, but just the situation where you're going
from triple A up to the majors and back again
(02:24):
and things like that. Just how much of that plays
into it for people who just cannot relate to what
guys like you go through on a day to day
basis when it comes to trying to be successful at
this very very frustrating at times sport.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yeah, I mean, I think that's a lot of it.
You kind of hit the nail on the head. It's
really hard to explain kind of how tough this game
is and can be mentally on people. So I mean,
I think we have a good group of guys here
that are able to keep it pretty level headed and
definitely makes it a lot easier, like you said, making
(02:58):
the jump from from triple to here. But yeah, I mean,
it's it's tough at times, especially when you're struggling and
trying to figure some things out. I mean, it it
can wear on YouTube let it so. I think that's
that's a big fun intasis for a lot of guys,
and self included, is just to kind of approach every
day is its own day and do what you need
to do to get ready to play and go out
and form at your best level.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
I asked this a lot of the guys like you,
the young up and comers, if you will, Is there
anybody in that major league clubhouse that you kind of
gravitate to or has taken you under their wing that
you you've learned a lot from, you.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Know, To be honest, I don't think it's any any
one person in particular. I think this group is so
good here that it's a well round a clubhouse. I mean,
I think you can go up to anybody at any
time and pick their brain on pretty much anything related
to baseball, And I mean it makes it a lot
easier to make that transition up here when you have
such a good group and guys that are willing to
(03:52):
teach and help you learn the game at this level.
I think the one so far that's been the most
impressive and most welcoming to me is Altuve. Obviously a
guy that's been around forever and done it at the
highest level for a really, really long time. It's very
interesting to pick his brain on how he approaches the
bats against different pictures and just the consistency that he
(04:14):
brings every day. It's really impressive to watch.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Is the consistency and his attitude something to marvel at
in that it seems like he's having the best day
of his life every day he's in a baseball.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Uniform, for sure. You know the guy. The guy is
the most consistent I've seen mentally probably ever, doesn't really
seem like there's too many ups and downs on the
mental game with him. It's the same guy every day.
It's becoming as a smile. He's going to be a
great teammate, great person. Yeah, definitely, super appreciative of the
time that I got to be around him.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Jacob, you'd mentioned a minute ago about the you know,
the time while you were heard a chance to kind
of reflect on those first eleven games, those first twenty
nine at bats. When you think back to your first
go around, the first eleven games or so, what did
you think of how that went for you?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
You know, I thought I handled the situation well. I think,
I mean, without a doubt, there's stuff to improve on
and get better out of it. And they're they're always wilty.
But I think for the most part, had had good
at bats up here, maybe not the results that I
was looking for, But then looking back as i've i've
as I've got back in the game here, I think
(05:16):
I was just putting a lot of a lot of
pressure on myself, as you do when you first come
up and are trying to get activated. But I think
that's going to be the biggest thing that I'll be
able to improve upon, is just going as a better
approach to a better game plan. Just be me more
calm and be able to execute what I want to
do a little better. I think the less stress and
pressure that you can put on yourself, the better position
(05:38):
will be in. I mean, the game is already hard
enough as is, and you started adding pressure, I mean,
it can it can pursue in a hole pretty quick.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Is there some comfort in who's in this clubhouse? And
that obviously you spent some time in spring training with
a lot of guys, but as the course of this
injury riddled season for the Astros, a lot of the
guys who you played with throughouts much of this year
and Land are currently your teammates here in Houston because
so many reinforcements are inside your clubhouse.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, for sure. I mean a lot of these guys
have been around for a handful of years now, and
I mean we have great people here. I mean, honestly,
there are people I'm going to be friends with for life,
and I'm very fortunate to be in this organization and
be around such a great group of guys. Definitely, definitely
very special and something that I'm going to care for
a long time.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
BFF Jacob Melton joining us here on the program. Hey,
you know, Joe Espota is a guy who has a
lot of respect around the majors and a lot of
people I think would like to play for him. And
I think if if you had a vote, you would
probably put his name up for Manager of the Year.
What's it like when you come up to the big
league level and you you play for a guy like
(06:47):
him who is obviously managing a lot of issues this year.
He's literally managing a lot of issues. And how has
he gone about this with all of these injuries this year?
What have you noticed about being around him?
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah, I mean I think you kind of hit a
lot of that right there itself. Obviously, I don't think
anybody saw this year going how it has, especially for
us to be in the position that we are as
a team. But now it's been amazing to be around
and watch. I mean, it doesn't seem like there's any
past panic from anybody in the clubhouse, and I think
he's done a really good job of keeping a level
(07:21):
head throughout the group, and we just approach every day
with with what we have, and really that's all that's
all you can do. You got to work with what
you got, and I feel like we've done a really
good job of that as a team here.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Well, before I let you go, Jacob, I know when
you made your debut in Houston and there at Dyke
and Park on TV, you were able to shout out
your wife, Mazie, and we'll give you that opportunity here.
What has it been like for you to have her
on this journey and help you make it to this
level and now back off of injury to this level again.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, I mean she's everything to me. I mean, really,
I can't put it in the words how much through
I'm my baseball in my life in general. I mean,
I think she's got me through a lot of dark
times and spots where I felt like I wouldn't be
able to overcome something, and she's always been there for
me and encouraging me. And really, I think just the
(08:13):
thought of her being there through through whatever it is,
baseball life, anything, at this point, I think that's that's
a really comforting feeling, and it makes it a lot
easier to go out and enjoy what I do. At
the end of the day, it is a blessing to
be able to put on this uniform and so on
baseball uniform in general, there's a lot of people that
don't get to do it, and you don't know when
(08:34):
your time is going to be up. So having somebody
that I know is going to be there for me
regardless is very comforting, feeling.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Awesome stuff. Appreciate you joining us, Good luck as you
continue to get in the line up, probably more often
than not here in the coming days. And appreciate you
joining us.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Jacob, Yeah, absolutely, thank you guys. The A team one
Sports Talk seven ninety Ninete
We do have Astros outfielder Jacob Melton joining us here
on the A team. Jacob, we always make it easier
for those guests that join us in the two to
six portion of our day. It's Adam and Adam here
with you on the A team. Certainly appreciate your time
and obviously welcome you back to the team. What was
the last month and change like for you as you
(00:20):
had to be kept out of play due to that injury.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Yeah, for sure, obviously super excited to be back and
very grateful for the opportunity past month and a half
or so, I mean it's been tough. I mean it's
a tough year, I think in general kind of for
a lot of guys. For me, Scifa, I mean, I've
had a handful of things that have came up that
are kind of unforeseen, and especially at the ankle, and
then I feel like it's such a fluke thing and
(00:47):
really has the time to work through it and step
back and kind of evaluate how the first handful of
games in the Big League since it went for me.
So I felt like I got to make some mental
changes and I have the body in a good good
spot physically, and like I said, I'm super excited to
be back and be around the guys again.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
You mentioned what exactly what it was a fluke thing?
Did you Did you realize what had happened and maybe
the severity of it when it did?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
No, not at all. I mean, obviously I realized that
I rolled it, and I didn't think it was gonna
be anything big. I mean, I anticipated coming back into
the bug out, getting it taped up, and going back
out that next next inning. Didn't really think it was
too big of a deal. And I mean obviously as
we worked through it and got the pleets and stuff off,
(01:32):
and it was like, okay, that's pretty small and part
pretty bad. But even at that point, I didn't realize
I think, the severity of it and that it was
going to take as long as it did. Obviously fortunate
that it wasn't any worse than it was, and it
was something that I was going to be able to
come back from this year, obviously, so try to stay
(01:53):
stay positive with it and see the bright side of everything.
And like I said, it gave me a lot of
time to kind of sit back and evaluate how the
tenners went for me.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Jacob Melton joining us here on Sports Talk seven ninety.
You know, you mentioned the mental side of this game,
and I think, along with golf, it's probably the two
most mentally taxing at times professions that you could be
as an athlete. And it's not just you know, adjustments
at the plate, but just the situation where you're going
from triple A up to the majors and back again
(02:24):
and things like that. Just how much of that plays
into it for people who just cannot relate to what
guys like you go through on a day to day
basis when it comes to trying to be successful at
this very very frustrating at times sport.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yeah, I mean, I think that's a lot of it.
You kind of hit the nail on the head. It's
really hard to explain kind of how tough this game
is and can be mentally on people. So I mean,
I think we have a good group of guys here
that are able to keep it pretty level headed and
definitely makes it a lot easier, like you said, making
(02:58):
the jump from from triple to here. But yeah, I mean,
it's it's tough at times, especially when you're struggling and
trying to figure some things out. I mean, it it
can wear on YouTube let it so. I think that's
that's a big fun intasis for a lot of guys,
and self included, is just to kind of approach every
day is its own day and do what you need
to do to get ready to play and go out
and form at your best level.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
I asked this a lot of the guys like you,
the young up and comers, if you will, Is there
anybody in that major league clubhouse that you kind of
gravitate to or has taken you under their wing that
you you've learned a lot from, you.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Know, To be honest, I don't think it's any any
one person in particular. I think this group is so
good here that it's a well round a clubhouse. I mean,
I think you can go up to anybody at any
time and pick their brain on pretty much anything related
to baseball, And I mean it makes it a lot
easier to make that transition up here when you have
such a good group and guys that are willing to
(03:52):
teach and help you learn the game at this level.
I think the one so far that's been the most
impressive and most welcoming to me is Altuve. Obviously a
guy that's been around forever and done it at the
highest level for a really, really long time. It's very
interesting to pick his brain on how he approaches the
bats against different pictures and just the consistency that he
(04:14):
brings every day. It's really impressive to watch.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Is the consistency and his attitude something to marvel at
in that it seems like he's having the best day
of his life every day he's in a baseball.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Uniform, for sure. You know the guy. The guy is
the most consistent I've seen mentally probably ever, doesn't really
seem like there's too many ups and downs on the
mental game with him. It's the same guy every day.
It's becoming as a smile. He's going to be a
great teammate, great person. Yeah, definitely, super appreciative of the
time that I got to be around him.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Jacob, you'd mentioned a minute ago about the you know,
the time while you were heard a chance to kind
of reflect on those first eleven games, those first twenty
nine at bats. When you think back to your first
go around, the first eleven games or so, what did
you think of how that went for you?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
You know, I thought I handled the situation well. I think,
I mean, without a doubt, there's stuff to improve on
and get better out of it. And they're they're always wilty.
But I think for the most part, had had good
at bats up here, maybe not the results that I
was looking for, But then looking back as i've i've
as I've got back in the game here, I think
(05:16):
I was just putting a lot of a lot of
pressure on myself, as you do when you first come
up and are trying to get activated. But I think
that's going to be the biggest thing that I'll be
able to improve upon, is just going as a better
approach to a better game plan. Just be me more
calm and be able to execute what I want to
do a little better. I think the less stress and
pressure that you can put on yourself, the better position
(05:38):
will be in. I mean, the game is already hard
enough as is, and you started adding pressure, I mean,
it can it can pursue in a hole pretty quick.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Is there some comfort in who's in this clubhouse? And
that obviously you spent some time in spring training with
a lot of guys, but as the course of this
injury riddled season for the Astros, a lot of the
guys who you played with throughouts much of this year
and Land are currently your teammates here in Houston because
so many reinforcements are inside your clubhouse.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, for sure. I mean a lot of these guys
have been around for a handful of years now, and
I mean we have great people here. I mean, honestly,
there are people I'm going to be friends with for life,
and I'm very fortunate to be in this organization and
be around such a great group of guys. Definitely, definitely
very special and something that I'm going to care for
a long time.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
BFF Jacob Melton joining us here on the program. Hey,
you know, Joe Espota is a guy who has a
lot of respect around the majors and a lot of
people I think would like to play for him. And
I think if if you had a vote, you would
probably put his name up for Manager of the Year.
What's it like when you come up to the big
league level and you you play for a guy like
(06:47):
him who is obviously managing a lot of issues this year.
He's literally managing a lot of issues. And how has
he gone about this with all of these injuries this year?
What have you noticed about being around him?
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah, I mean I think you kind of hit a
lot of that right there itself. Obviously, I don't think
anybody saw this year going how it has, especially for
us to be in the position that we are as
a team. But now it's been amazing to be around
and watch. I mean, it doesn't seem like there's any
past panic from anybody in the clubhouse, and I think
he's done a really good job of keeping a level
(07:21):
head throughout the group, and we just approach every day
with with what we have, and really that's all that's
all you can do. You got to work with what
you got, and I feel like we've done a really
good job of that as a team here.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Well, before I let you go, Jacob, I know when
you made your debut in Houston and there at Dyke
and Park on TV, you were able to shout out
your wife, Mazie, and we'll give you that opportunity here.
What has it been like for you to have her
on this journey and help you make it to this
level and now back off of injury to this level again.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, I mean she's everything to me. I mean, really,
I can't put it in the words how much through
I'm my baseball in my life in general. I mean,
I think she's got me through a lot of dark
times and spots where I felt like I wouldn't be
able to overcome something, and she's always been there for
me and encouraging me. And really, I think just the
(08:13):
thought of her being there through through whatever it is,
baseball life, anything, at this point, I think that's that's
a really comforting feeling, and it makes it a lot
easier to go out and enjoy what I do. At
the end of the day, it is a blessing to
be able to put on this uniform and so on
baseball uniform in general, there's a lot of people that
don't get to do it, and you don't know when
(08:34):
your time is going to be up. So having somebody
that I know is going to be there for me
regardless is very comforting, feeling.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Awesome stuff. Appreciate you joining us, Good luck as you
continue to get in the line up, probably more often
than not here in the coming days. And appreciate you
joining us.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Jacob, Yeah, absolutely, thank you guys. The A team one
Sports Talk seven ninety Ninete
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