Houston Astros

The Houston Astros turned to the minor leagues for some help with the stretch run approaching.

It's not about the fit. It's about the talent.

Don't worry about how the Houston Astros will fit all of their good infielders into the lineup. Worry about the fact they have so many good players in the first place.

After recently being declared a free agent by Major League Baseball, Cuban star Yulieski Gourriel has agreed to terms on a contract with the Houston Astros. 

Per MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, Gourriel's agreement with the Astros is for $47.5 million over five years.  

The Houston Astros are dead, long live the Houston Astros.

OK, we should amend that: The Astros seemed dead after going 7-17 in April. Since May 1, however, they've gone 30-19. And with a sweep-sealing 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park, they poked their heads above .500 at 37-36.

It's normally unfair to put the struggles of any MLB club at the feet of a single player. It's a team sport, there are nine men on the field, etc.

But if you're a Houston Astros fan looking to play the one-man blame game with your squad's dismal start, look no further than Dallas Keuchel.

Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez suffered a rib injury on May 13, and he was placed on the disabled list on May 17. It's unclear when he'll return to the field. 

Continue for updates.

Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez was forced to exit Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners with a hand injury after getting hit by a pitch. 

Continue for updates.

Jose Altuve: home run hitter.

Seriously, this is going to be a little tough to get used to, with the emphasis on "little." Seriously, we've all accepted the idea that the Houston Astros second baseman is a big-time hitter, an All-Star, one of the better players in baseball.

But a home run hitter?

It'd be hackneyed—and overkill—to begin a dissection of the Houston Astros' slow start with "Houston, we have a problem."

It's April. There are 145 games left on the schedule. Grains of salt must still be liberally sprinkled over every statistic and slot in the standings.

But this isn't how things were supposed to go for the Astros.

The Houston Astros are missing something, but it's hard to put a finger on it...

Wait, no. There it is. Clearly, what they need is a healthy Lance McCullers.