With a growing list of injuries depleting their roster, the Houston Astros continue to turn to their
farm system for reinforcements. On Monday, outfielder Kenedy Corona became the latest minor
leaguer to debut for the club, going 0-for-2 with a walk during the Astros’ 7-5 loss to the
Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a three-game series in Houston.
Astros manager Joe Espada has taken on the challenge of integrating a steady flow of new faces
while keeping the team competitive.
“I do have a relationship with all of them, either at spring training or some of the young kids I’ve
seen for years now,” Espada said. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to manage them in the big
leagues. And for me, it’s gratifying to have the opportunity to see all these new faces and figure
out a way to win major league games. That’s what makes my job this much fun.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s game, right-hander Hunter Brown (9-3, 1.82 ERA) is set to start for
Houston. Recently named an All-Star for the first time, Brown leads MLB in ERA and is
unbeaten over his last seven outings, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.49 ERA and 55 strikeouts in
42 1/3 innings. In his last appearance, a 5-3 win over the Rockies, he gave up two runs across six
innings while striking out eight, reaching his 500th career strikeout.
Against the Guardians, Brown has yet to record a win, holding a 5.91 ERA over two career
starts. In their last matchup on June 7, he allowed one run on four hits and five walks with nine
strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings, contributing to a 10-inning, 5-3 Astros victory.
The Guardians will counter with rookie left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-0, 3.41 ERA), who made his
first start of the season Thursday against the Cubs. He threw 3 1/3 shutout innings, giving up two
hits and striking out five, although Cleveland ultimately lost 1-0 in 10 innings. Cantillo
previously faced Houston on September 27, 2024, allowing three runs over 3 2/3 innings in a 5-2
loss.
Cleveland made roster adjustments Monday, placing infielder Kyle Manzardo on the family
medical emergency list and recalling outfielder Jhonkensy Noel from Triple-A Columbus. Noel,
who began the season with the Guardians but was sent down in June after hitting .146, had
rebounded in Triple-A, batting .280 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 24 games.
He entered Monday’s game as a pinch runner and finished in right field.
“Jhonkensy was getting some good results in Triple-A,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
“Obviously, with (Manzardo) going home to deal with his family and facing Houston with two
left-handed starters and four lefties in the bullpen, it’s good to get some right-handed
reinforcements. Jhonkensy was swinging the bat well. We know how good he can play some
defense in right field, and he’s also going to be playing some first now with Manzardo out.”
