Convenience Big Store: How previous hardships shaped José Urquidy

Summer Sale: ONLY 25¢!
Dive into local news with Unlimited Digital Access.
Subscribe Today.

Today's starting lineup

Twice, José Urquidy seriously considered giving up and returning to Mexico to either play baseball there or pursue an engineering degree.

But Urquidy stuck it out in the Astros' system. Now pitching in his fifth major league season, he says those early hardships equipped him to handle obstacles he's encountered since, such as the right shoulder injury he suffered this spring that required a three-month rehab.

He appears on track to regain peak form. On Sunday, in his second start since coming off the injured list this month, Urquidy struck out seven batters and spun five innings of one-run ball against the Angels.

"I think it's all a mentality, for sure," Urquidy said. "I know I want to be an elite pitcher. But it's hard sometimes. Sometimes I got bad outings, good ones. I'm looking for that consistency. But sometimes when I have a bad outing, I don't get angry. I'm just trying to look at what I did bad and fix it up, because if I'm angry, I don't win anything. That's why I'm very calm. That kind of situation never affects me. I'm always looking forward and trying to do the best when I'm on the mound."

Danielle Lerner has the story of where Urquidy gets his mental fortitude.

Urquidy's pitching wasn't enough on Sunday as the Astros scored just one run after getting 22 in the previous two games. But Houston did have encouraging news on Phil Maton and Michael Brantley. Up next is a trip to Miami to face the Marlins.

The Texans had their first scuffle in camp on Sunday but in the bigger picture it was a time to analyze more what the Texans offensive coaches learned from C.J. Stroud's opening performance.

Stat of the day: 29. Doubles this season for Kyle Tucker in 117 games. He had 29 last year in 150 games.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) releases a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Previous hardships equipped José Urquidy to hurdle 2023 injury

Jarring days in the Astros' Dominican academy followed by Tommy John surgery six years ago helped the Mexican righthander develop mental and physical fortitude.

Angels 2, Astros 1: Houston stranded nine and was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in Sunday's loss.
Good report: Phil Maton says there is no structural damage in his elbow and should be able to return on schedule.
Extra rest: The Astros are pushing Hunter Brown's next start back to Friday but he's available in bullpen.
Return game: A potential rehab assignment this week would be long-awaited next step for Michael Brantley in return from shoulder injury.
On deck: A quick three-game road trip to Miami pits Houston against MLB batting leader Luis Arraez and the team with the majors' best record in one-run games.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik works with the team during an NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Like C.J. Stroud, Texans' OC, QB coach are learning on the job

Bobby Slowik and Jerrod Johnson say their rookie quarterback wasn't the only one to get some lessons out of the preseason opener.

Camp report: Sunday's highlights include first scuffle of camp and reflections from C.J. Stroud on his opening performance.
Additions: The Texans signed quarterback E.J. Perry and receiver Adam Humphries.
Activated: Tight end Teagan Quitoriano, who has missed all of training camp with injury, is back.
Big impression: D'Shawn Jamison is among the shortest San Francisco 49ers, but the rookie corner from Texas has turned heads in camp.