Ice Box Insiders | Houston Astros Podcast

Don't Lose Hope: Why the Astros Are Still in This

The Astros are still alive. Michael Schwab and Jackson Adams discuss Hunter Brown’s return, Jordan Alvarez’s incredible June, Josh Hader’s impact on the bullpen, trade deadline rumors, and whether Houston can climb back into the AL West race. If you’ve been frustrated by the Astros’ season, this episode is your reminder not to lose hope. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelschwab.substack.com [https://michaelschwab.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Impossible Win and the Arms That Could Save This Season

The Astros did something Wednesday night they hadn’t done all season. Not once. Josh Hader is back. Hunter Brown is coming. The pitching staff that buried this team might be the thing that saves it. June isn’t optional. We break down the comeback, the returning arms, and what this month has to look like if the Astros want to stay alive. The window is small. The clock is ticking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelschwab.substack.com [https://michaelschwab.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From No-No to Oh-No: The Astros Roller Coaster Continues

One night, history. The next, a disaster. Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimber Santa combined for the 18th no-hitter in Astros franchise history, a stunning 9-0 gem against the Rangers with Santa making his MLB debut. Then Houston turned around and gave up 8 runs in the first inning. Classic 2026 Astros. Sitting at 24-32, it’ll take a strong June to keep any playoff hopes alive. Jackson and Michael break it all down. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelschwab.substack.com [https://michaelschwab.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Correa out for the season. Now What? | Astros 15-23, AL West Chaos and the Road Ahead

Carlos Correa is out for the season with a torn tendon in his left ankle, and Michael and Jackson are processing it live. They break down what losing Correa’s bat, leadership, and defense really means. Then zoom out on why the 15-23 record isn’t as catastrophic as it looks in the league’s most wide-open AL West. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelschwab.substack.com [https://michaelschwab.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Yordan Alvarez, Yordan Alvarez, and a Little More Yordan Alvarez

Jackson flies solo for Episode 7 with one thing on his mind: Yordan Alvarez. Leading the American League in batting average (.347), hits, RBIs, home runs (11), OPS (1.245), and total bases, Yordan is on pace for a Triple Crown and running away with the AL MVP conversation -- and Jackson makes the case for why anyone suggesting a trade can take that take somewhere else. Beyond Yordan, Jackson recaps a brutal stretch of baseball -- getting swept by the Cardinals, a split in Cleveland, 17 players on the injured list -- before finding some real reasons for optimism: Spencer Arrighetti’s emergence, Peter Lambert’s filthy fastball, and Kai Wei Tang’s 1.65 ERA out of the bullpen. The Yankees series starts this weekend, and the Astros need to start stacking wins now. Michael Schwab will be back next week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelschwab.substack.com [https://michaelschwab.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]