Rockies Players Hit by Pitches in Houston as Astros Face Injury Questions
Date Published
Two Colorado Rockies players left a game in Houston after being struck by pitches from Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, creating a tense moment during the series matchup at Daikin Park. Troy Johnston and Willi Castro both exited after being hit, turning attention away from the scoreboard and toward their health status.
According to reports, Johnston was hit first and later left the game. Castro was also struck by a pitch from Arrighetti and did not remain in the matchup. The incidents unfolded during the Rockies' road game against Houston, with the Astros serving as the home team.
What happened in Houston
The game took a concerning turn when Arrighetti hit multiple Rockies batters, including Johnston and Castro. Being hit by pitches is part of baseball's risks, yet seeing two players leave the same game naturally raised concern for both clubs. Neither exit appeared routine in the moment, especially because both players were unable to continue.
For Houston fans, the sequence also highlighted the fine line pitchers manage between working aggressively inside and maintaining command. Arrighetti has shown promise as part of the Astros' pitching mix, but games like this can quickly shift the conversation from execution to player safety.
Why it matters
When players leave after hit-by-pitch incidents, the biggest question becomes whether the injuries will affect upcoming games. That is especially important during a long season, when even minor hand, wrist, elbow, or forearm issues can linger. Any absence for Johnston or Castro could affect Colorado's lineup depth in the short term.
Meanwhile, Houston will likely be watching for any follow-up discussion around Arrighetti's command. Although hit batters are not uncommon over a full season, multiple injury-related exits in one game bring added scrutiny. Medical updates from either team will offer the clearest picture of the severity.
What comes next
The next step is straightforward: evaluations and postgame updates. Teams typically assess soreness, swelling, and range of motion before determining whether imaging is needed. If either player avoids a serious injury, the departures may be viewed as precautionary. If not, roster decisions could follow.
For the Astros, the focus returns to execution at home and to whether their pitching staff can avoid similar issues in upcoming games. For the Rockies, the concern is immediate availability after two painful exits in the same contest.
This article is a summary of reporting by The Courier of Montgomery County. Read the full story here.
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