They need more better pitchers. Until that happens these discussions (Kent E vs Bielak, et al) are useless. And I'm not disagreeing with you.
He wouldn't be in the 8th unless Stanek was already warmed (and bordering overuse, the only guy in the pen you can say that about), and then **** the bed. Get Stanek some help.
I get Stanek pitching because it was a 3-run lead when he warmed up. If Emanuel wasn't used last night, he would have been warmed up instead Bielak when Stanek was in trouble. With as little pitching as the Astros have healthy, having a valuable reliever pitch in low leverage was very frustrating yesterday as you never know when you will need your better relievers the next day.
Your opinion of Emanuel does not match that of the Astros. He's bottom of the bullpen with Smith and they went Bielak with righty v righty matchups against Kiner-Falefa and Ibanez.
Closers close, would have been nice to not need him though. Hopefully we can finally get that elusive sweep tomorrow.
Valdez and Paredes can’t get here soon enough. I have high faith in both. I’m not 100% holding out for Grienke and Odirizzi returning to form, but even competent 6-inning, 3-4 run starts by them and this team will be a monster, esp with Tucker’s luck coming up even as Yuli’s goes down.
