Even when the Houston Astros struggled at the plate, their pitching staff shouldered the load, especially the starting rotation. But right now, they are struggling at arguably the worst point in the season.
When Houston’s stars hit the disabled list, analysts expected a regression on offense. But Houston Astros fans figured the pitching staff was elite enough to keep the club atop the American League West.
The staff stepped up against the Dodgers and Giants. Yet, the club’s ace pitchers are struggling in what could be the most crucial point in the season.
Justin Verlander arguably had his worst start of the year Thursday, getting rocked for six runs in just two innings. It was the first time the 35-year-old looked vulnerable in a Houston uniform.
Then the home plate umpire tossed him after arguing over a controversial balk call. Needless to say, Verlander was frustrated and put the Astros in a hole few teams could climb out of against James Paxton.
And they couldn’t, despite some rallies at the dish against the Canadian southpaw.
Gerrit Cole seemed to have flipped the script Friday when he shut Seattle out for five innings. But when the Astros provided him with run support, he floundered, ultimately allowing four runs in a two-inning span.
It resulted in Cole’s third-straight loss, despite surrendering just nine runs across 19 innings in that span. Two of the losses came against the Mariners, and his offense provided him with two runs of support combined.
More from Houston Astros
- Julio Rodriguez doing it all for Mariners, including playing peacemaker against Astros
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Grading Dana Brown and the Houston Astros front office at the season’s midway point
- Houston Astros: Houston, we have a Martin Maldonado problem
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Red Sox, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Astros
It’s unfair to expect oblivious outings by the three-headed monster in Verlander, Cole and Charlie Morton. Nevertheless, Houston fans are likely worried mostly because Oakland is still within five games of first place.
The Mariners are also within six games, and could make that four by the end of the weekend.
It’s crunch time for the Astros at this point, and they need quality starts from the pitching. If the momentum swings against their favor, they could be pushed up against a wall by the end of the month.
It also doesn’t help that the coaching staff is unsure when George Springer and Jose Altuve will return. The offense will find its groove, and Carlos Correa will provide a boost.
When the offense flailed at the plate for a prolonged period earlier this season, the pitching staff offered support. Their string of flawless starts allowed Houston to quickly garner a lead in the AL West.
The rotation needs to answer the call once again, especially with a key momentum shift on the line. And there’s no doubt that it can.
Morton has an opportunity to safeguard the team’s lead and prevent a three-game losing stretch. The Astros already endured a five-game losing streak last month.
At this point in the season, they can’t afford another one.