The Houston Astros entered this homestand with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the AL West. Instead, they have lost two consecutive series and watched their division lead shrink to one game.
Houston opens a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday night at Daikin Park after losing two of three to both the Mariners and Angels. Thursday’s 18-3 loss to Los Angeles was the Astros’ worst of the season, dropping them back to .500 at 64-64. The Athletics arrive at 49-79, last in the American League West and riding a four-game losing streak.
The series is the final opportunity for Houston to salvage what has become a disappointing homestand before the schedule becomes considerably less forgiving.
Astros Let Opportunities Slip Away
The Astros entered this stretch with a chance to create some breathing room in their back-and-forth battle with the Rangers atop the AL West. Instead, they have lost four of five series since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, including the first two series of this homestand. Houston has averaged just 3.7 runs per game during that stretch, and inconsistent starting pitching has compounded the offensive problems.
Against the Angels, Houston scored only seven runs in three games. The Astros managed a 3-2 victory Wednesday but were held to one run Tuesday before Thursday’s blowout, when the Angels scored 18 runs on 18 hits.
Despite the disastrous loss, the Astros remain atop the AL West, though their lead over the Rangers is down to just one game. In an odd reflection of the division race, Houston, Texas, and Seattle finished Thursday with identical minus-46 run differentials.
The Rangers will have their own opportunity against one of the division’s bottom teams this weekend, opening a three-game series against the Angels in Arlington on Friday. Houston can only hope the Angels carry some of the momentum from their visit to Daikin Park with them to Texas.
Peña Remains Day to Day
Jeremy Peña’s availability will be one of the biggest questions entering the series.
Peña was hit on the right hand by a 100 mph pitch Wednesday and left the game after the third inning. He did not play Thursday, but an MRI showed no structural damage. Peña remains sore and is considered day to day, with the Astros hopeful he can avoid another trip to the injured list.
His absence would be significant for an offense already struggling to produce consistently. Peña is batting .283 with a .338 on-base percentage and .469 slugging percentage this season, and Houston is 43-33 in games he has started compared with 21-30 when he has not.
Wesneski Gets the Opener
Hayden Wesneski will start Friday’s series opener for Houston against Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn. Wesneski enters at 2-1 with a 5.16 ERA and 18 strikeouts, while Ginn is 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 114 strikeouts. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT at Daikin Park.
For Houston, the opponent is favorable. The circumstances are becoming considerably less so.
After this weekend, the Astros get one final day off Monday before beginning a 13-game stretch that includes six games in New York against the Yankees and Mets. With 34 games remaining and the AL West still there for the taking, wins against a last-place Athletics team would go a long way toward making the road ahead less precarious.
