Brian McTaggart Says There Is 'A Lot Of Holes' In This Astros Lineup - The Matt Thomas Show

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Astros On-Deck Show following the third straight loss on the road against the Seattle Mariners with the latest defeat ending in a 2-1 final in the 10th inning on Wednesday. Justin Verlander started on the mound, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out nine in over seven innings. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have also given the Astros quality starts in this series, but the offense has not been productive. There are "a lot of holes in this lineup," McTaggart said. The Astros have missed Yordan Álvarez's power-hitting in this recent stretch, and McTaggart says Álvarez has lost some discipline at the plate. "He's chasing a little bit more" and "expanding his zone." McTaggart also previews the Astros looking to avoid the series sweep with Spencer Arrighetti on the mound Thursday, discusses Jose Abreu's place in the lineup and gives the latest update on injured starting pitchers José Urquidy and Cristian Javier.