Astros’ early struggles put front office, coaches on hot seat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Astros were expected to have a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but their start has been less than ideal.
With a pitching staff that has a team-worst 5.93 ERA, Houston is in desperate need of reinforcements but has instead been hit with more injuries. While the offense has been efficient, the Astros have struggled to set consistent lineups with players jumping in-and-out of the lineup due to injuries.
While the injuries offer a valid explanation, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal doubts team owner Jim Crane thinks the same and hints that manager Joe Espada and general managers Dana Brown might be on the hot seat.
“He is an owner who clearly has stated many times, the window here will always be open. And I don't sense he’s one to hear excuses,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory.
Joe Espada and Dana Brown might not be exempt from the hot seat, even with the number of injuries the Astros have dealt with, says @Ken_Rosenthal."I don't sense Jim Crane is one to hear excuses." pic.twitter.com/ke0fgc5EwQ
The Astros are 9-15 and last in the American League West. They have won only three of their last 15 games and were recently swept in back-to-back series by the Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners.
Much of Houston’s early struggles stem from a depleted pitching staff, especially after losing key contributors and dealing with a wave of injuries.
After letting two-time All-Star Framber Valdez sign with the Detroit Tigers in free agency, Houston was looking to replace his production behind the arms of last year's Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown and high-profile offseason signing Tatsuya Imai.
However, Brown made just one and a half starts before suffering a right shoulder strain. Imai also struggled to adapt to MLB play before landing on the injured list with arm fatigue.
Hunter Brown responded to Dana Brown’s comment about his concerns with his buildup in Spring Training, per @Chandler_Rome:“It’s unfortunate. His thoughts and comments are warranted. That’s the position he’s in to speculate on that stuff. My job is to put myself in a position to… pic.twitter.com/wGg9NwCDB3
Additionally, even when Houston receives quality starts from its rotation, it has struggled to close out games. Closer Josh Hader has yet to make an appearance after opening the season on the injured list with left bicep tendinitis. The Astros rank in the bottom half of the league with just five saves.
While the season is still in its early stages, Houston will need to stabilize its pitching staff quickly to avoid falling further behind the American League.