Podcast appearances and mentions of brian mctaggart

Brian McTaggart Joins The Show After Astros Sweep Against The Blue Jays

Brian McTaggart Joins The Show After Astros Sweep Against The Blue Jays

Brian McTaggart Talks Astros Slow Offense To Start The Year

Brian McTaggart Talks Astros Slow Offense To Start The Year

Brian McTaggart Talks About The Astros Struggling Offense 

Brian McTaggart Talks About The Astros Struggling Offense 

Brian McTaggart Talks Rising Concerns in the Astros Early Season.

Brian McTaggart Talks Rising Concerns in the Astros Early Season, what will the Astros do moving foward? Rockets are offically in the Playoffs

Brian McTaggart Talks Rising Concerns in the Astros Early Season.

Brian McTaggart Talks Rising Concerns in the Astros Early Season, what will the Astros do moving foward? Rockets are offically in the Playoffs

Brian Mctaggart Joins The Show On The Opening Day at Daikin Park 

Brian Mctaggart Joins The Show On The Opening Day at Daikin Park 

Seth and Sean discuss the Astros that have been most exciting as outlined by Brian McTaggart, discuss if the Altuve in LF thing could be scrapped if it doesn't work out, and why they like the robot strike zone.

Rockets are now 8-0 fighting to keep their spot of the #2 Seed in The West. Brian McTaggart gives the inside look on the Astros and what they plan to do about the early game shakes.

Rockets are now 8-0 fighting to keep their spot of the #2 Seed in The West. Brian McTaggart gives the inside look on the Astros and what they plan to do about the early game shakes.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joins The Matt Thomas Show with Ross for the start of his weekly segments throughout the Astros season, talking the latest on the Astros roster, who will make the cut, how the rotation shapes up and much more.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joins The Matt Thomas Show with Ross for the start of his weekly segments throughout the Astros season, talking the latest on the Astros roster, who will make the cut, how the rotation shapes up and much more.

Adam Clanton and Adam Wexler makes his return to talk about what's going on in Houston sports and more on February 19th 2025.Texans kicking tires on a new home?Cam Smith joined The Matt Thomas Show w/ Ross from West Palm Beach. Bregman vs. Devers for 3B has taken another turn. Brian McTaggart joins the show from West Palm Beach. Yordan Alvarez wants to have a bounce back 2025. Adolis Garcia said what?! Joe Espada with SportsMT and SportsRV in WPB. 

MLB.com/Astros.com's Brian McTaggart joins The A-Team from West Palm Beach, Fla. He talks about the Astros actually putting a plan in action to play Jose Altuve in left field this season. What does that mean for the overall Astros outfield? What does it mean for Yordan Alvarez's time in the field? He also talks about this Astros lineup, with the additions of Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker. Plus, a concern that he has about the Astros bullpen, before they head into the 2025 season. 

HOUR 2 - Seth and Sean discuss if it hurts more that Bregman picked the Red Sox, dive into Brian McTaggart's 3 big Astros questions, and see who Kyle Dvorchack from NBC Sports has the Texans picking at number 25.

Seth and Sean discuss Alex Bregman signing with the Red Sox in a remarkably pro-player deal, the Rockets being the favorite to land Kevin Durant if he leaves the Suns, go through the day's Headlines, discuss if it hurts more that Bregman picked the Red Sox, dive into Brian McTaggart's 3 big Astros questions, see who Kyle Dvorchack from NBC Sports has the Texans picking at number 25, dive into how Astros and Red Sox fans are taking the Bregman signing, John Rocker vs Pat Mahomes Sr. boxing match being official, if the Giants accidentally killed the offseason version of Hard Knocks, how they think Alex Bregman will do with the Red Sox and compare it to how previous stars who left the dynasty did on their new teams, react to Dak Prescott saying he thinks the Cowboys are on the Eagles' level, and lay out what they want to hear from Texans OC Nick Caley and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans when they meet with the media today.

Just before the Kyle Tucker trade, SCHN's Kevin Eschenfelder and MLB.com's Brian McTaggart recapped the Winter Meetings and latest new on Alex Bregman. Then, relive the ‘24 AL West Champs with the Relaunch of the 9/24 broadcast between division rivals, as the Astros defeat the Seattle Mariners. Listen to Robert Ford and Steve Sparks call the action and celebrate from the Astros Clubhouse at Minute Maid Park. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘25 Spring Training coverage. Listen throughout the season on SportsTalk 790 KBME & 740 KTRH-Houston, the MLB App., MLB.TV, & SiriusXM.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" react to the Houston Rockets defeating the Golden State Warriors 91-90 to advance to the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. Matt and Ross also:review Warriors head coach Steve Kerr's postgame commentstalk with Alejandro Solana of WQAM in Miami about the Texans hosting the Dolphins this Sundayreact to former Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman transferring to the Cougarstalk with Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, about the latest from the MLB Winter Meetingsdiscuss six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick being named the new head coach at North Carolina with Chris Gordy say "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

Following Juan Soto's historic contract, the value of Kyle Tucker has increased drastically. The Houston Astros right fielder is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and general manager Dana Brown could look to benefit from trading Tucker before he hits the open market. "Definitely seemed like there is momentum building," Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, said while attending the final day of MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas. Tucker and the Astros agreed on a $12 million contract last season after the 27-year-old lost his arbitration case the year prior. "There's always been a belief that Tucker was going to explore free agency," McTaggart said. Framber Valdez will also be a free agent next season at age 32. The left-handed pitcher held a 15-7 record, 2.91 ERA and 4.5 WAR in 2024, but Brown said he will "listen on anybody" when asked if he would consider a trade of either Valdez or Tucker. "I think it's less likely that [Valdez] gets traded," McTaggart said. The Astros still remain in the race to sign Alex Bregman, who is now a free agent. Houston offered the third baseman six years at about $156 million, and agent Scott Boras has stated that he is still communicating with Brown about a potential deal, but many remain pessimistic as Bregman is reportedly seeking a number closer to $200 million. "I find it hard to believe that the Astros would go above six years." The Astros have their ace, third baseman and right fielder dominating the headlines from Winter Meetings, and there is a chance that the 2025 season's lineup would feature a lot of new faces in key positions, but could the Astros still win the division with a restructured roster? "They're not the 2019 Astros," but they "could still be a pretty good team," McTaggart said.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" react to the Houston Rockets defeating the Golden State Warriors 91-90 to advance to the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. Matt and Ross also:review Warriors head coach Steve Kerr's postgame commentstalk with Alejandro Solana of WQAM in Miami about the Texans hosting the Dolphins this Sundayreact to former Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman transferring to the Cougarstalk with Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, about the latest from the MLB Winter Meetingsdiscuss six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick being named the new head coach at North Carolina with Chris Gordy say "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

Following Juan Soto's historic contract, the value of Kyle Tucker has increased drastically. The Houston Astros right fielder is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and general manager Dana Brown could look to benefit from trading Tucker before he hits the open market. "Definitely seemed like there is momentum building," Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, said while attending the final day of MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas. Tucker and the Astros agreed on a $12 million contract last season after the 27-year-old lost his arbitration case the year prior. "There's always been a belief that Tucker was going to explore free agency," McTaggart said. Framber Valdez will also be a free agent next season at age 32. The left-handed pitcher held a 15-7 record, 2.91 ERA and 4.5 WAR in 2024, but Brown said he will "listen on anybody" when asked if he would consider a trade of either Valdez or Tucker. "I think it's less likely that [Valdez] gets traded," McTaggart said. The Astros still remain in the race to sign Alex Bregman, who is now a free agent. Houston offered the third baseman six years at about $156 million, and agent Scott Boras has stated that he is still communicating with Brown about a potential deal, but many remain pessimistic as Bregman is reportedly seeking a number closer to $200 million. "I find it hard to believe that the Astros would go above six years." The Astros have their ace, third baseman and right fielder dominating the headlines from Winter Meetings, and there is a chance that the 2025 season's lineup would feature a lot of new faces in key positions, but could the Astros still win the division with a restructured roster? "They're not the 2019 Astros," but they "could still be a pretty good team," McTaggart said.

Astros Legendary relief pitcher Billy Wagner remains on the MLB Hall of Fame Ballot and talks about his career with former teammate and current broadcaster Geoff Blum. Oregon Ducks standout LB for the top ranked team in the Nation, Bryce Boettcher, drafted by the Astros in 2024, tells Kevin Eschenfelder about playing multi-sports at the Division I level. Then, longtime MLB Astros beat writer, Brian McTaggart, previews next weeks' Winter Meetings in Dallas, TX. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Wexler and Adam Clanton talk about what's going on in Houston sports and more on December 5th 2024.Azeez Al-Shaair Suspension Reaction.Comparing Al-Shaair to Ray LewisAlex Bregman could be gone.Brian McTaggart joins the show. What's Up With That?!

Astros.com/MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joins The A-Team, after he released a report on the Astros 6-year, $156 million dollar contract offer to Alex Bregman. McTaggart talks about why the offer looks the way that it does. Plus, what are some contingency plans for the club, if indeed Bregman is playing elsewhere in 2025? 

Matt Thomas of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" and Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, recap the "Thursday Night Football" matchup that saw the Cleveland Browns defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 in the season's first snow game. Matt and Brian also:discuss the future of the Astrospreview the Texans and Titans game on Sundaygive their latest "Gut Feelings"tell people to "Shut Yo Bum Ass Up, Ain't Nobody Got Time"give their "Fantasy Five" tailgate food itemstell their "Non-Florida Storieshave Dr. Roto cure their fantasy football blues and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

Matt Thomas of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" and Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, recap the "Thursday Night Football" matchup that saw the Cleveland Browns defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 in the season's first snow game. Matt and Brian also:discuss the future of the Astrospreview the Texans and Titans game on Sundaygive their latest "Gut Feelings"tell people to "Shut Yo Bum Ass Up, Ain't Nobody Got Time"give their "Fantasy Five" tailgate food itemstell their "Non-Florida Storieshave Dr. Roto cure their fantasy football blues and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

The Houston Astros were once 10 games back from the division lead but managed to clinch the AL West and return to the postseason for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons. However, hopes of returning to the ALCS for the eighth consecutive year vanished following back-to-back home losses to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series. Hunter Brown started in Wednesday's 5-2 defeat, giving up only one run after six innings. Bryan Abreu was able to hold the Astros' 2-1 lead in the seventh, but things unraveled in the eighth when Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader took the mound. The Astros offense was unable to rally, securing the win for the Tigers. "At the end of the day, they just didn't hit," Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, said. With the conclusion of the regular season, the focus shifts to the offseason, where the Astros will look to upgrade a flawed lineup. "This team has a lot of things on their checklist this offseason." The biggest question mark is placed on third base, as Alex Bregman is set to become an unrestricted free agent and could leave Houston for a more desirable contract. "He means so much to the clubhouse." The Astros have a history of not paying the market and thus not extending homegrown players, such as Carlos Correa and George Springer, so general manager Dana Brown might have to find a third baseman to fill the shoes of the two-time All-Star. While Bregman's future will be the main headline for weeks to come, McTaggart also adds that the Astros should address other positions, such as first base and the bullpen.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" recap the Houston Astros getting swept by the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series following Wednesday's 5-2 defeat. Was this the last time we will see Justin Verlander and Alex Bregman in an Astros uniform? Matt and Ross review Joe Espada and Dana Brown's final comments of the 2024 season, talk with Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, about offseason priorities, tell people to "Shut Yo Bum Ass Up, Ain't Nobody Got Time" and more.

The Houston Astros were once 10 games back from the division lead but managed to clinch the AL West and return to the postseason for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons. However, hopes of returning to the ALCS for the eighth consecutive year vanished following back-to-back home losses to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series. Hunter Brown started in Wednesday's 5-2 defeat, giving up only one run after six innings. Bryan Abreu was able to hold the Astros' 2-1 lead in the seventh, but things unraveled in the eighth when Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader took the mound. The Astros offense was unable to rally, securing the win for the Tigers. "At the end of the day, they just didn't hit," Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, said. With the conclusion of the regular season, the focus shifts to the offseason, where the Astros will look to upgrade a flawed lineup. "This team has a lot of things on their checklist this offseason." The biggest question mark is placed on third base, as Alex Bregman is set to become an unrestricted free agent and could leave Houston for a more desirable contract. "He means so much to the clubhouse." The Astros have a history of not paying the market and thus not extending homegrown players, such as Carlos Correa and George Springer, so general manager Dana Brown might have to find a third baseman to fill the shoes of the two-time All-Star. While Bregman's future will be the main headline for weeks to come, McTaggart also adds that the Astros should address other positions, such as first base and the bullpen.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" recap the Houston Astros getting swept by the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series following Wednesday's 5-2 defeat. Was this the last time we will see Justin Verlander and Alex Bregman in an Astros uniform? Matt and Ross review Joe Espada and Dana Brown's final comments of the 2024 season, talk with Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, about offseason priorities, tell people to "Shut Yo Bum Ass Up, Ain't Nobody Got Time" and more.

MLB.com/Astros.com's Brian McTaggart joins Ross Villareal on Astros On-Deck, Presented by Xfinity. In his weekly visit on the show, McTaggart talks- Astros approach to this series, Yordan Alvarez/Chas McCormick injury updates and Astros Postseason pitching rotation. 

MLB.com/Astros.com's Brian McTaggart joins Ross Villareal on Astros On-Deck, Presented by Xfinity. In his weekly visit on the show, McTaggart talks- Astros approach to this series, Yordan Alvarez/Chas McCormick injury updates and Astros Postseason pitching rotation. 

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" react to Alex Bregman receiving an ovation from the fans at Minute Maid Park in what could be his finale regular-season home game with the Astros. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss the Astros postseason pitching rotation starting with the AL Wild Card Series. Matt and Ross also predict how many penalties Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil will have against the Jacksonville Jaguars, talk with University of Houston Cougars football head coach Willie Fritz about looking to bounce back from a shutout loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, ask Dr. Roto to cure their fantasy football ailments, break down UNLV's NIL controversy and more.

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show with Ross to discuss the Astros securing their fourth consecutive American League West title with Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are now locked into the AL's No. 3 seed in the Wild Card Series. The final regular-season home game Wednesday afternoon saw Alex Bregman start at third base. However, in the fourth inning, manager Joe Espada removed Bregman from the game to receive an ovation from the fans at Minute Maid Park in what could be his final regular-season home game with the Astros. "I thought it was a nice moment," McTaggart said. "This could be it... It will be weird next year if [Bregman] won't be here." The Astros selected Bregman with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 MLB draft, with Bregman making his debut a year later. As a two-time All-Star who helped the Astros earn their first two World Series championships, Bregman has "taken on a huge leadership role." Bregman is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and while general manager Dana Brown has said he will engage agent Scott Boras with talks of an extension, "it's hard to imagine [Bregman's] going to stay with the Astros," especially with the organization's history of not retaining homegrown players, such as Carlos Correa and George Springer. The Astros final series of the regular season starts Friday in Cleveland, and Yordan Alvarez will not be with the team. Alvarez is recovering from a sprained right knee, and even if he returns in time for the Wild Card Series, he will most likely not play left field for perhaps the entire playoff run. "They do have a whole week to rest him." The best-of-three AL Wild Card Series begins Tuesday at Minute Maid Park, and McTaggart expects Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown and Yusei Kikuchi to lead the postseason rotation in that order. "That's a pretty tough 1-2-3."

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" react to Alex Bregman receiving an ovation from the fans at Minute Maid Park in what could be his finale regular-season home game with the Astros. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss the Astros postseason pitching rotation starting with the AL Wild Card Series. Matt and Ross also predict how many penalties Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil will have against the Jacksonville Jaguars, talk with University of Houston Cougars football head coach Willie Fritz about looking to bounce back from a shutout loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, ask Dr. Roto to cure their fantasy football ailments, break down UNLV's NIL controversy and more.

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show with Ross to discuss the Astros securing their fourth consecutive American League West title with Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are now locked into the AL's No. 3 seed in the Wild Card Series. The final regular-season home game Wednesday afternoon saw Alex Bregman start at third base. However, in the fourth inning, manager Joe Espada removed Bregman from the game to receive an ovation from the fans at Minute Maid Park in what could be his final regular-season home game with the Astros. "I thought it was a nice moment," McTaggart said. "This could be it... It will be weird next year if [Bregman] won't be here." The Astros selected Bregman with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 MLB draft, with Bregman making his debut a year later. As a two-time All-Star who helped the Astros earn their first two World Series championships, Bregman has "taken on a huge leadership role." Bregman is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and while general manager Dana Brown has said he will engage agent Scott Boras with talks of an extension, "it's hard to imagine [Bregman's] going to stay with the Astros," especially with the organization's history of not retaining homegrown players, such as Carlos Correa and George Springer. The Astros final series of the regular season starts Friday in Cleveland, and Yordan Alvarez will not be with the team. Alvarez is recovering from a sprained right knee, and even if he returns in time for the Wild Card Series, he will most likely not play left field for perhaps the entire playoff run. "They do have a whole week to rest him." The best-of-three AL Wild Card Series begins Tuesday at Minute Maid Park, and McTaggart expects Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown and Yusei Kikuchi to lead the postseason rotation in that order. "That's a pretty tough 1-2-3."

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show following Thursday's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Yusei Kikuchi started on the mound, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine batters in six innings. After acquiring the veteran left-hander prior to the MLB trade deadline, the Astros have been 9-0 in games that Kikuchi has started. "They paid a really high price," but "he sort of changed the ascent of this team," McTaggart said. Kikuchi has cemented himself in the top three of the Astros pitching rotation as the postseason approaches. Justin Verlander, who has struggled as of late, has a chance to "reestablish himself" Friday against the Angels. McTaggart also discusses the Astros beginning to rest players sitting at five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners to lead the AL West and the picture for the rest of the regular season as the Wild Card round approaches.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show recap the Houston Astros defeating the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 on Thursday. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss Yusei Kikuchi remaining undefeated when starting in an Astros uniform. Matt and Ross also preview the Texans facing the Minnesota Vikings for their Week 3 matchup, react to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani making MLB history by becoming the fist player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, discuss the possibility of Houston getting an NHL team, tell their "Non-Florida Stories" and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show following Thursday's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Yusei Kikuchi started on the mound, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine batters in six innings. After acquiring the veteran left-hander prior to the MLB trade deadline, the Astros have been 9-0 in games that Kikuchi has started. "They paid a really high price," but "he sort of changed the ascent of this team," McTaggart said. Kikuchi has cemented himself in the top three of the Astros pitching rotation as the postseason approaches. Justin Verlander, who has struggled as of late, has a chance to "reestablish himself" Friday against the Angels. McTaggart also discusses the Astros beginning to rest players sitting at five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners to lead the AL West and the picture for the rest of the regular season as the Wild Card round approaches.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show recap the Houston Astros defeating the Los Angeles Angels 3-1 on Thursday. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss Yusei Kikuchi remaining undefeated when starting in an Astros uniform. Matt and Ross also preview the Texans facing the Minnesota Vikings for their Week 3 matchup, react to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani making MLB history by becoming the fist player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, discuss the possibility of Houston getting an NHL team, tell their "Non-Florida Stories" and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show recap the Houston Astros avoiding a sweep by the Oakland Athletics with Thursday's 6-3 win. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss Kyle Tucker returning to right field and Joe Espada's upcoming decision concerning the postseason pitching rotation. Matt and Ross preview the Texans hosting the Chicago Bears for Sunday Night Football, react to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustaining another concussion, talk with Dr. Roto about the best fantasy football advice, tell their "Non-Florida Stories" and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show after the Astros avoided the sweep against the Oakland Athletics with Thursday's 6-3 victory. Framber Valdez allowed a run on five hits and a walk while striking out six in just over six innings. "He's keeping his emotions in check," McTaggart said. With Valdez, Yusei Kikuchi and Hunter Brown all pitching well, manager Joe Espada has "got some good choices" when it comes to constructing his postseason rotation. If they could clinch the division before their final regular season series against the Cleveland Guardians, the Astros would be able to rest their starters before the Wild Card round. "You got to hope that last series doesn't mean anything." Injuries have been the main concern for the Astros all season long, and with the closing weeks approaching, the roster has not been freed from this challenge. Second baseman Jose Altuve exited Wednesday's game with right side discomfort and did not play Thursday. However, both Altuve and Espada do not seem worried about the injury. "It wouldn't surprise me if he played this weekend." Optimism will carry into the outfield, where Kyle Tucker is expected to make his return to right field after starting his first few games back from a fractured shin as a designated hitter. "Tucker might play right field tonight."

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show after the Astros avoided the sweep against the Oakland Athletics with Thursday's 6-3 victory. Framber Valdez allowed a run on five hits and a walk while striking out six in just over six innings. "He's keeping his emotions in check," McTaggart said. With Valdez, Yusei Kikuchi and Hunter Brown all pitching well, manager Joe Espada has "got some good choices" when it comes to constructing his postseason rotation. If they could clinch the division before their final regular season series against the Cleveland Guardians, the Astros would be able to rest their starters before the Wild Card round. "You got to hope that last series doesn't mean anything." Injuries have been the main concern for the Astros all season long, and with the closing weeks approaching, the roster has not been freed from this challenge. Second baseman Jose Altuve exited Wednesday's game with right side discomfort and did not play Thursday. However, both Altuve and Espada do not seem worried about the injury. "It wouldn't surprise me if he played this weekend." Optimism will carry into the outfield, where Kyle Tucker is expected to make his return to right field after starting his first few games back from a fractured shin as a designated hitter. "Tucker might play right field tonight."

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show recap the Houston Astros avoiding a sweep by the Oakland Athletics with Thursday's 6-3 win. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to discuss Kyle Tucker returning to right field and Joe Espada's upcoming decision concerning the postseason pitching rotation. Matt and Ross preview the Texans hosting the Chicago Bears for Sunday Night Football, react to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustaining another concussion, talk with Dr. Roto about the best fantasy football advice, tell their "Non-Florida Stories" and more on this "Anything Goes Friday."

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show after the Cincinnati Reds completed the series sweep over the Astros with Thursday's 1-0 result. Hunter Brown allowed four hits and struck out six over six scoreless innings. However, the Astros offense was unable to bring runners home, giving the Reds nine consecutive wins over Houston. "They just got shut down pitching-wise," McTaggart said. "I think the one thing that is going to help is getting [Kyle] Tucker back." Tucker is expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend after being out with a shin fracture for over three months. "They're going to want him at the top of that order." When Tucker returns, "Ben Gamel" is a possibility to get sent down. "I think Chas [McCormick] is probably going to stay at this point." McTaggart also discusses Spencer Arrighetti's "ups and downs" showcased through Wednesday's nine-run first inning following a near no-hitter performance the previous start and how Matt Chapman's deal with the San Francisco Giants will affect Alex Bregman's next contract.