The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:
Astros GM Dana Brown says Manager Joe Espada is NOT in jeopardy of losing his job:
From his suite overlooking Daikin Park, Astros GM Dana Brown backed manager Joe Espada on Sunday morning amid the team's 11-18 start. "I can’t start pointing the finger at Joe because we’re walking a ton of guys and we’re banged up.” – https://t.co/OTydlzDEsp
Chandler Rome on where he sees fault lying with the Astros current state and slow start on the Gallant Says podcast with Sportsradio 610’s Paul Gallant:
Who's more to blame for the Astros slow start between Joe Espada & Dana Brown?#ChaseTheFight | @ChandlerRome pic.twitter.com/SMyWQajpdQ
Tyler Stafford also doesn’t think Espada is to blame for the Astros early season woes – from the Crush City Territory podcast he hosts with Chandler Rome:
"This isn't a team that's just given up and is going through the motions."@tylercstafford doesn't believe Joe Espada can be pointed to as the issue for the Astros, but could a move still be made? pic.twitter.com/aFaVdezxTe
— Crush City Territory (@CrushCityShow) April 27, 2026
Rome also questions if Brown has the authority to fore Espada if he wanted to (and that he currently does NOT want to) on his Crush City Territory podcast:
"I am not sure that Dana Brown has the autonomous authority to [fire Joe Espada] if he wanted to. It doesn't sound like he wants to."@Chandler_Rome breaks down the power dynamics within the Astros organization right now. pic.twitter.com/CZ0ArKjgU7
— Crush City Territory (@CrushCityShow) April 27, 2026
The Astros will send Kai-Wei Teng to the mound for his first start of the season tomorrow in Baltimore vs. the Orioles:
Standout reliever Teng to make first start for Astros Tuesday https://t.co/qIcbwgkJVm
Teng has been a different pitcher this season for the Astros than he was last year for the Giants:
Which Kai Wei Teng will the @astros get? 2025 with the Giants:6.37 ERA in 7 startsOr 2026:1-1, 16K, 16.2 IP, 2.61 ERA https://t.co/I7vhWIICaV
— Htown Wheelhouse™️2X World Series Champs '17, '22 (@HtownWheelhouse) April 27, 2026
Astros probables at Baltimore:Tuesday: TBD vs. RHP Shane Baz (0-2, 5.08)Wednesday: RHP Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) vs.RHP Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75)Thursday: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) vs.RHP Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53)
Spencer Arrighetti didn’t make the Opening Day roster, but was always expected to be the 6th starter. Things haven’t gone according to play for the Astros, but Arrighetti is currently their best healthy starter:
Spencer Arrighetti went seven innings today against the Yankees, tying Lance McCullers Jr. (March 30) for the longest start by a Houston pitcher this year.He gave up three hits, one run (a HR by Judge) and struck out eight batters to lower his ERA to 2.00 in 18 innings.
Christian Walker proving his first half last season was the fluke, not the second half: