Joe Espada Comments on Questionable Astros Decision

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Joe Espada Comments on Questionable Astros Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Sep 12, 2026 9:40 AM ET

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada stood by his decision to pitch to Junior Caminero in a critical spot during Friday night’s 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, Jonathan Aranda reached second base with one out. First base was open, but Espada elected to have Bryan Abreu pitch to Caminero rather than intentionally walk the American League home run leader.

Caminero made the Astros pay immediately, launching a two-run walk-off homer to send Tampa Bay to the victory and clinch a postseason berth.

Asked if he considered walking Junior Caminero, Astros manager Joe Espada said “no, not with (Bryan) Abreu. He’s tough the way he’s been throwing the ball.”
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 12, 2026

After the game, Espada was asked about the decision and whether he would have preferred to put Caminero on base. The Astros manager defended his choice, pointing to his confidence in Abreu.

“No, not with Abreu. He’s tough the way he’s been throwing the ball,” Espada said, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

The decision quickly drew criticism, particularly because Josh Hader was available in the Houston bullpen. Instead, Espada stuck with Abreu in the matchup against one of the most dangerous power hitters in the American League.

Caminero finished the night 1-for-4 with the decisive home run and two RBIs. The blast was also his 40th of the season, adding to his lead in the American League home run race.

Abreu recorded just one out and surrendered two hits, zero walks and two earned runs on nine pitches. The loss was especially costly for Houston as the Astros continue to navigate a tight AL West race with the Texas Rangers close behind.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Astros also played without Yordan Alvarez, who was scratched because of a twisted right ankle suffered Thursday. Espada said Alvarez’s injury is not considered structurally serious, but his absence left Houston without one of its biggest offensive threats.

For Espada, however, the late-game decision came down to trusting one of his top relievers. Caminero’s swing ultimately changed the game, but the Astros manager made clear he would trust Abreu again in that situation.