Crawfish Boil: Astros 9th SP, Cam Smith Extension Window, The ABS Effect, MLBs Newest Trend & More

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros steals second base against Zach Neto #9 and Chris Taylor #33 of the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Daikin Park on September 01, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:


It’s a good thing the Astros went and acquired all that starting pitching depth:

He will be the ninth different starting pitcher for the Astros in 21 games. https://t.co/gDZkVMoi4A

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 17, 2026

Starting pitching woes have led to the Astros leaning harder on their bullpen than any team in baseball:

The Astros bullpen is bearing the brunt of early pitching and injury woes. No team entered Thursday with more multi-inning relief outings than the Astros, who added three in a loss to Colorado and will use their ninth different starter in 21 games Friday: https://t.co/N4MnXHrwPe

— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) April 17, 2026

Are the Astros missing their chance to extend Cam Smith?

The Astros’ window to extend Cam Smith is closing. Will they even try? – https://t.co/Aq17DbkKos

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 17, 2026

While Astros pitchers are having big trouble with walks, they aren’t the only ones:

Overlooked in all the commotion over ABS: The strike zone is different and smaller. The current walk rate of 9.9% would be the highest since 1950.

Here's how pitchers are adjusting:https://t.co/qSpOF1zYwO

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) April 16, 2026

There is a strategy to challenging. The Astros lost both their challenges early and it cost them later in the game with some bad calls to their hitters:

Listening to Rockies commentators discuss how losing both challenges allowed their pitchers to expand the zone. And they took advantage of it. Something to think about.

— PjB (@paulajbecker) April 17, 2026

What is this ump doing??? pic.twitter.com/6afx01saoi

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) April 17, 2026

What has teams signing young prospects to big extensions earlier than ever?

Why are MLB prospects signing record contracts? 'Smart business' in Age of Dodgers https://t.co/j8puzdTToP

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 16, 2026

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...e-contract-extension-mlb-biggest/89626582007/


Bob Nightengale takes at look at MLB’s biggest surprises and disappointments this season:

MLB's biggest surprises, disappointments: Mets are an absolute mess https://t.co/L47nIS2tfk

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 16, 2026

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...tments-mets-giants-red-sox-twins/89638120007/


Mike Trout is hitting .246 but he has 7 HR, several of the tape measure variety. Time for the Hype Train:

Column on Trout now free for all to read. https://t.co/2O4jcxiUxe

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 16, 2026

The San Diego Padres are about to be sold to a private equity firm owner for a record-setting price:

José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones near deal to buy Padres for MLB-record $3.9 billion: Sources https://t.co/9Q0yddk6Gm via @NYTimes

— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) April 17, 2026

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7203881/2026/04/17/san-diego-padres-sale-jose-e-feliciano/


Mets GM taking heat for their bad start punctuated by an 8-game slide.

https://t.co/XDE8LBhwEl MLB Insider: Are Mets paying price for David Stearns’ winter choices?

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 16, 2026

Jon Heyman on Mets manager, Padres Fernando Tatis Jr, FA SP Lucas Giolito, and Yankees pitching logjam:

https://t.co/P8XWu676pE MLB notes and thoughts: Don’t blame Mendoza for Mets mess

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 17, 2026

At 37, there may not be much left in the tank for Mark Canha, but can’t blame him for trying:

Veteran OF Mark Canha asked for his release today from the Rangers to seek big league opportunities elsewhere

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 17, 2026

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