Astros Face Injury Setbacks Yet Maintain AL West Dominance

The Houston Astros have defied expectations this season, currently holding a commanding lead in the American League West despite facing significant injury challenges. As of July 22, 2023, the Astros sport a record of 60-43 and a five-game advantage over the Seattle Mariners, putting them in a tie with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers for the fourth-best record in Major League Baseball.

In a surprising turn of events, the Astros announced yet another addition to their injured list, placing 28-year-old rookie pitcher Brandon Walter on the list, bringing the total number of Houston players sidelined to an MLB-leading 18. Walter, who was showing promise after overcoming multiple injuries in his career, had become a key component of the Astros’ rotation.

Walter’s journey to the major leagues has been anything but straightforward. Drafted in the 26th round by the Boston Red Sox in 2019, he faced significant setbacks, including Tommy John surgery and a rotator cuff injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season. Despite these challenges, Walter rose through the ranks, becoming the Red Sox’s No. 9 overall prospect by 2022.

His major league debut came on June 22, 2023, but he has been limited to just 23 innings across nine games. After being designated for assignment and released by Boston, he signed a minor league deal with the Astros and made his big league return on May 20, 2025. Walter quickly established himself with a solid 3.35 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 53.2 innings over nine starts.

The latest setback for Walter involves elbow inflammation. He shared with MLB.com’s Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart that the MRI results were “pretty encouraging,” suggesting he may not face a lengthy recovery.

The Astros’ ability to maintain their position in the standings while managing injuries speaks to their depth and resilience. With Walter’s promising performance now interrupted, the team will need to continue relying on their remaining pitchers as they strive for postseason success.

As the season progresses, the Astros remain a team to watch, not only for their record but for their tenacity in overcoming obstacles that would challenge most organizations.