Whoever said you can’t return home might need a chat with Brent Strom.
The Astros are welcoming back Brent Strom, the revered 77-year-old pitching expert, to their team. Having spent eight solid years shaping their pitching squad, Strom is rejoining the Astros as a consultant for the rest of the season.
Joe Espada, the team’s manager, praised Strom, calling him “a foundational figure in our pitching strategy.” He expressed his enthusiasm for Strom’s return, eager to “gain insights from his vast experience and perspective.”
Espada emphasized Strom’s significance, noting, “His presence is vital as we aim to clinch the division,” according to MLB.com.
Strom is set to reunite with the team in New York this weekend during their three-game face-off against the Mets at Citi Field, where he’ll be assisting from the dugout.
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Houston’s pitching has been one of the worst in the majors this year, with a 4.65 ERA ranking 25th among all 30 MLB franchises.
The Astros are sitting with a one-game lead in the AL West even though the club is at an even .500.
Espada viewed Strom as someone who can help the team right now, especially with his extensive experience.
“This is someone who’s had some of our guys — experience with young pitchers, veteran pitchers,” Espada said. “He’s been in the World Series with different organizations, and I felt like this is the right time to bring someone who can help us continue to move things forward and help us get our guys better and finish strong.”
Strom had been a major league pitching coach for Houston in 1996 and the Royals from 2000 to 2001. He spent five seasons as the minor league pitching coordinator for the Expos/Nationals organization and then later went to the Cardinals.
He joined the Astros again as pitching coach in 2014 and was there through 2021.