"We are doing the small things that have made us great" - Astros manager Joe Espada speaks on team's turnaround, expects to keep pace following ASG

Joe Espada and the Houston Astros have really turned things around after starting the season poorly. While being in the basement of the American League West for much of the year, they are now sitting in second place.

Injuries, especially on the pitching side, did not help the team. They had to play musical chairs with their starting rotation but have since figured it out a bit with players getting healthy.

However, it was not just pitching that hurt Houston. They were not doing the things that made them one of baseball's most consistent teams over the last few years.

Nevertheless, the team has figured that out and is back to doing the small things.

"We didn't start the season the way we would have liked. There were some injuries [and] underperforming. Things were not going our way, but we knew if we stick together, things were going to turn, and things are starting to turn," said Espada.

Over their last 20 games, Houston has compiled a 16-4 record, which is quite impressive. They went from being a train derailment to being one of the MLB's most fearsome squads in a matter of weeks, and Espada does not believe that streak will stop.

"The things that we have done so well is playing collectively together with pitching, with playing good defense, getting clutch hitting. We are doing the small things that have made us great throughout the years," said Espada.

This turnaround has been a team effort, and they are certainly a team that fans will want to keep their eye on. It is hard to keep Houston down when they get the ball rolling.

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Joe Espada's Astros hold MLB's best record since the start of June

Houston Astros - Joe Espada (Image via IMAGN)

The Houston Astros' turnaround has not been as recent as many may believe. They have been clawing their way back up the division standings since the start of June. Since June 1, they hold the best record across MLB.

Joe Espada's offense has been scary with players like Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman leading the charge. Jose Abreu's replacement, Jon Singleton also has helped turn the stagnant offense around.

On the pitching side, Ronel Blanco and Hunter Brown have operated like aces, and the bullpen has held it down late in games. While some were happy to see this team struggle, they are far from the team they were in April.