The Launch Angle

BIELAK BACK! The #Astros are signing RHP Brandon Bielak to a minor league deal, a league source tells @7News. Bielak will report to Triple-A Sugar Land. Bielak had a 4.63 ERA in 204 IP with Houston & The A’s from 2020-2024.

Nick with an excellent breakdown here on Josh Naylor’s first home run against Mike Burrows. Also, I’m about finished with Yainer as a catcher.

Comparing Left Fielders on the Outside to Those Already In #Astros launch-angle.com/2026/04/14/com…

The Launch Briefing: April 14, 2026 #Astros launch-angle.com/2026/04/14/the…

To be clear, I don’t blame the lineup for the most part. But he isn’t wrong, though.

100% agree, Carlos.

Carlos Correa doesn’t want injuries to bean an excuse. “Our failures are because we’re playing shitty baseball.”

I’m sorry but this play still ticks me off to no end. #Astros

Was Anyone Actually Surprised? #Astros Lose 6-2, Swept By Mariners launch-angle.com/2026/04/13/was…

Good: A starting pitcher actually made it through at least 5 innings. Bad: Pretty much everything else. #Astros

Once this game is complete, the Astros will be the 142nd team dating back to 1898 to allow at least 106 runs (earned and unearned) in their first 17 games. Only 24 of those preceding 141 teams (17%) achieved a winning record, with only 6 qualifying for the postseason (4.3%).

What Kind Of Pain Can We Expect Today? #Astros at Mariners, 4-13-26, 3:10 CT Game 17 Preview and Thread launch-angle.com/2026/04/13/wha…

The Launch Briefing: April 13, 2026 #Astros launch-angle.com/2026/04/13/the…

If you're wondering, the 2026 Astros lead franchise history in unintentional walks issued with 96 in the first 16 games to start a season. There are only six other seasons in which an Astros pitching staff has issued at least 70 walks in a season's first 16 games.

The 2026 Astros are the 11th team dating back to 1898 to issue at least 96 unintentional walks in the first 16 games of a season. FYI, only one team (1925 St. Louis Browns) finished with a winning record, and none qualified for the postseason. h/t @baseball_ref @Stathead

Does Anyone Remember What A Quality Start Looks Like? #Astros Lose 6-1 To Mariners launch-angle.com/2026/04/12/doe…

So, which one of these injured pitchers are willing to try Roy Oswalt’s spark plug treatment?

Here you go again…

Rest In Peace, Phil Garner: #Astros at Mariners, 4-12-26, 3:10 CT Game 16 Preview and Thread launch-angle.com/2026/04/12/res…