The Astros, who have appeared in the ALCS for seven years in a row, are 7-19, one of only two teams to make the playoffs from a similar start. Still, there’s still a lot of pedigree, and the Rangers and Mariners have only gotten off to so-so starts, and the division looks open. So there is hope for Houston.
“I think we’re going to be OK,” Astros GM Dana Brown said on the phone Wednesday before the team suffered two more losses. “5 ¹/₂ remaining game is over. [now 6 ¹/₂]There are 138 pieces [now 136] remaining games. ”
This record is shocking, but it is no fluke. Star third baseman Alex Bregman has struggled, former MVP Jose Abreu appears to be done with it, and nearly every starting pitcher is out.
“I can’t remember a time before May 1 when all five starters were on the IL,” said Brown, a former Seton Hall star who has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years.
Abreu’s play has been so bad that they’ll probably use John Singleton more and probably bring in prospect Joey Loperfido (pro home run leader with 12). Abreu’s batting average is .065.
“Maybe we’ll give him some time off to see if anyone else gets hot,” Brown said.
The vaunted relief trio of Brian Abreu, Ryan Pressley, and Josh Hader have all struggled, with Pressley and Hader’s ERAs well above 7.00.
“We have three guys who are shutout-able for most teams, and we had six saves,” Brown said. “If we turn those games around, we’ll be in first place.”
Their history gives us hope. Brown said: “I’m at the intersection of disappointment and optimism.”
