Bogusevic: Espada, Brown 'Are Being Handed A Roster That They Need To Play'

Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up after the San Francisco Giants defeated the Astros 5-3 Wednesday at Oracle Park. Framber Valdez started on the mound, recording a season-low four innings while allowing eight hits and five earned runs. "That's a tough call to make" to pull Valdez early, but "when guys are elevating off of him, it's not good," Bogusevic said.

The Astros dropped the three game series to the Giants 2-1, have lost three out of their last four games, land at a 31-38 record on the season and fall 8.5 games back from the lead in the AL West. Bogusevic says "it's the veteran guys...that got to lead the way" for a postseason spot. "They have to turn leads into wins every time."

Jon Singleton returned to the lineup Wednesday, batting in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter, but went 0-4 at the plate. Jose Abreu started at first base and batted eighth, going 0-3 with his at-bats. In regards to playing Abreu, "I don't think it's Joe Espada's decision," Bogusevic said. Espada and Dana Brown "are being handed a roster that they need to play." The Astros are "just stuck with that you have...until you find a better option."

The MLB trade deadline falls on July 30, and Bogusevic says the Astros are "going to be in position to add" to the roster. "They can only get better," and the main acquisitions would need to address "starting pitching" and "a big bat somewhere" in the lineup.