Dugout Download

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss the state of the Astros, Justin Verlander and new No. 1 catcher Yainer Diaz heading into Thursday's opener against the Yankees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss Justin Verlander's buildup to returning, Joe Espada's lineup construction, and prospects drawing notice in West Palm Beach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss why Jose Altuve's extension makes sense, as well as things to be addressed when the team gets to Florida. Further reading: Will new contract allow Astros' Jose Altuve to reach 3,000 career hits? We did the math. 'Houston is my home': Why Jose Altuve preferred $125 million Astros deal to testing the open market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss the new Astros manager, as well as the approved move of AL West rival Oakland to Las Vegas. Read more of our Astros coverage here: His time has arrived: Astros hand managerial reins to Joe Espada Everything to know about Houston Astros' new manager Joe Espada Joe Espada the right man to prolong Astros' golden era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the GM meetings over, Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss the managerial carousel, including the Astros' timeline on a hire, and why Dana Brown is open to a rotation addition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss Dana Brown's approach to the Astros' managerial vacancy, as well as 2024 roster needs the GM wants to address.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss Dusty Baker's retirement and possible successors, as well as their takeaways from an ALCS that saw the Astros come up one win short. Read more of our latest Astros coverage here: Dusty Baker reflects on winning era with Astros as he retires Fishing trips, wild stories, musical taste: 10 things we will miss about Astros manager Dusty Baker How Astros are built to contend again in 2024 even with a new manager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer analyze the Astros' seventh consecutive trip to the ALCS, which brings the most meaningful games they've ever played against the Rangers. For all Astros playoff news right to your phone, sign up for our Astros Alerts here: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/newsletters/astros-alerts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mismatch or no? Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer examine an ALDS pitting a defending champion heavy on familiar October names versus Carlos Correa and … those other Minnesota guys. Read more Astros coverage: Astros vs. Twins: How the teams match up in ALDS Dusty Baker's mind very much on the present as Astros pursue repeat Astros face decisions on final spots for ALDS roster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer talk about the unexpected heroes who helped the Astros win another AL West title. And should Kyle Tucker be credited with a 30th homer? Tune in! Read more: Down but never out: Astros' AL West title reflects champs' resilience Something old, not much new: What we learned from PBS' Astros sign-stealing documentary As Astros clinch another division title, here's a look back at their first 11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer analyze the playoff possibilities in an all-or-nothing weekend for the Astros. Read more of our latest Astros coverage: Wild card? West title? No playoff berth? Astros' weekend could play out in any of those ways As entire season has shown, this is not an easy-does-it Astros team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer examine the schedules of the Astros and other AL teams fighting for a playoff spot, as well as reasons Yainer Diaz should be a lineup regular.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Presuming the Astros get to the playoffs (though nothing, as the A's reminded us, is guaranteed), someone will follow Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez in the rotation. Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer unpack the options and discuss Kyle Tucker's 30/30 pursuit. Related links: Astros option reliever Parker Mushinski, call up Bennett Sousa from Sugar Land Astros insider: Hunter Brown's work yields results in sharp outing Astros flirt with no-hitter in beating A's to close out homestand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer discuss the Astros' ascension to first place and their odd road/home disparity.  Read more of our Astros coverage here: Astros insider: Can a 'stronger' José Abreu add to a surging offense? How Hunter Brown's new delivery route is working for Astros Astros 12, Rangers 3: Houston caps annihilation in Arlington with another rout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the premiere episode of the Dugout Download podcast, Matt Kawahara and Steve Schaeffer examine an Astros offense that is healthy and sizzling, plus the rotation/bullpen outlook as a three-team Alabama West race hits overdrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices