HOUSTON – There is no time to panic because, as we all know too well, a Major League baseball season is a long marathon and not a sprint to the line.
That said, the concern is clear: after the Astros returned from their long 10-game road trip with a 1-9 mark, they arrived at Daikin Park Tuesday sporting a 6-11 record, the worst in MLB this season.
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Where do we begin with these results for a club that is far more talented than the record shows after 18 games?
Yes, opening night of their new homestand produced a 7-6 win over the Rockies, but it came down to the 9th inning before the Astros stopped what was heading to a Colorado rally.
Popular Astros fan site Astros_County posted some interesting numbers on its Instagram site to break down. Some were positive, but too many were not acceptable, even with their slew of injuries.
They lost 11 of their first 17 games ( 6-11) as they returned home and now stand 7-11. They need to keep stacking wins over the Rockies and Cardinals on this short six-game homestand at Daikin Park.
Astros pitching has a pile of issues outside of injuries, including getting outs consistently and keeping the bases cleared. Opponents were hitting at a .271 clip according to Astros_County, allowing an MLB-worst 107 runs entering Tuesday night. Tack on six more by the Rockies, so that total is now at 113 runs allowed in 18 games.
How about bases on balls by Astros pitching? Not good folks, after Tuesday night’s 4 walks given up, the season total is now 101 on the year, and that goes with an ERA of 6.50, which is again the worst in MLB.
Tuesday’s win stopped the slide at least for one night, but there was some other good news from the ballpark well ahead of the game. That’s when closer Josh Hader, who’s rehabbing from Bicep tendinitis that’s kept him out all season and in Spring training.
Here at Daikin #Astros closer Josh Hader on Tuesday hill throwing to hitters. A lot of people here watching . pic.twitter.com/b3RIzvgzfS
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) April 14, 2026
Hader told reporters after his throwing session to Live hitter that he was close to 40 pitches and was told he hit 91-93 mph on the radar gun.
“I was very encouraged,” Joe Espada said when asked about Hader. " Well, see how he feels tomorrow."