HOUSTON, TX – September 1, 2025 — The Houston Astros entered September with a distinct feeling of urgency. After concluding August with a disappointing 13-15 record, the team’s once-comfortable lead in the American League West has dwindled, and their playoff position is no longer a certainty. A month that saw the team struggle to string together wins ended with back-to-back shutout losses to the Los Angeles Angels, highlighting the offensive woes that have plagued them for weeks.
The team’s hitting has been the primary culprit. Over the final two weeks of August, the Astros’ offense went cold, repeatedly failing to deliver in crucial situations. In their recent 3-0 loss to the Angels, the Astros managed only two hits, continuing a trend of anemic run production that has been particularly frustrating at home. The lineup has lacked consistent production from top to bottom, forcing the team to rely on its starting pitching to an unsustainable degree.
A major concern is the lack of production from the team’s recent acquisitions. At the July 31st trade deadline, the Astros made several significant moves to bolster their offense, bringing in Carlos Correa, Ramón Urías, and Jesús Sánchez. While all three players have shown flashes of their potential, they have not provided the consistent offensive punch the team had hoped for. Their inability to find a rhythm has been a key factor in the team’s offensive woes, leaving large holes in the middle of the lineup that opponents have been able to exploit.
The Astros have also had to contend with the absence and recent return of their star slugger, Yordan Alvarez. After missing over 100 games with a hand injury, Alvarez was activated from the injured list just last week. While his return provides a much-needed boost, he has not yet returned to his previous form and will need time to get back up to speed as the team enters the final month of the season.
Despite the hitting slump, the starting rotation has been a silver lining. Pitchers like Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier have delivered some of the team’s best performances, keeping games close and giving the offense a chance to win. However, the bullpen has shown signs of cracking under pressure. The late-game collapse on Saturday, where the usually reliable reliever Bryan Abreu gave up a multi-run lead, demonstrated the fine line the team is walking.
Looking ahead, the road to the postseason will not be easy. The Astros begin the month with the final game of their series against the Angels today before facing the New York Yankees and then a critical road series against the Texas Rangers. Their September schedule also includes a pivotal three-game home series against the Seattle Mariners, their closest rival, that could very well decide the division title. To succeed, the Astros will need their bats to come alive. The pressure is on, and a strong start to September is essential to solidify their playoff standing and avoid a difficult Wild Card series.