Baseball's learning curve is constant, even for a veteran like Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos, who has thrown out two baserunners in the last week using a new throwing motion he picked up during spring training.

Chirinos, who signed as a free agent with the Astros after six years with the Texas Rangers, knocked off A's outfielder Ramon Laureano attempting to steal second in the seventh inning with the Astros leading 2-1.

Monday, he threw out former Rangers teammate Rougned Odor, so he's 2-for-2 for the week after 56 of the previous 59 basestealers were able to advance.

Chirinos credits a spring training change in his throwing motion suggested by bullpen catcher Michael Collins and pitching coach Brent Strom.

"I'm throwing across my body, and it's shorter to get to the spot," he said. "I feel great.

"In the beginning it was different. When you're trying something new from the way I was doing it for so long, it takes time. But now it's happening without me thinking, and it's good."

Astros manager A.J. Hinch, a former catcher, said any catcher needs a pitcher who can hold runners, a good throw and an accurate tag.

"He (Chirinos) is a good catcher. He's thrown out guys before," Hinch said. "He's doing a good job of doing his part."

In addition to his throwing adjustment, Astros starter Collin McHugh said Chirinos has been a quick study in picking up the tendencies and demeanor of the Astros' pitching staff.

"He understands who we are as pitchers and what we want to do out there, and he's able to translate that behind the dish," McHugh said. "He comes built in with a cannon and the ability to change the game in that way. We've seen the last week what he can do with runners on base."

Chirinos, in turn, said he's impressed by the ability of Astros pitchers to mix pitches when they're down in the count.

"These guys can execute. They can use the spin when they're behind for a strike or go down in the zone," he said. "It's hard to find guys who have a fastball and can also throw a breaking pitch when they're down in the count. Tough stuff."

Adjustments, after all, can decide close games such as the Astros' one-run win Friday night.

"As a baseball player, you can always learn something. I don't care if you've been playing 10, 15, 20 years. It's a game of adjustments, and I'm glad that I've been able to do it."