Dana Brown (Image Credits: Imagn)

Dana Brown Sends Strong Message Amid Astros’ Pitching Injuries

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 12:39 PM ET

The Houston Astros aren’t catching a break early in 2026. Injuries are already testing the pitching staff, and worse, the latest setback only adds more pressure to the roster. The timing couldn’t be trickier, with bullpen roles still settling and innings starting to pile up.

Still, there’s no panic inside the front office. General manager Dana Brown has been playing the long game since the offseason, stacking arms for exactly this kind of stretch. Now, with another pitcher going down, that blueprint is no longer theory, but all about execution.

Per a report by Richard Tovar on April 13, 2026, Brown doubled down on Houston’s depth strategy just hours before Cody Bolton exited the Astros’ April 12 game against the Seattle Mariners with back tightness. The GM made it clear that this scenario was anticipated.

“This is why we went out and signed a lot of pitchers this offseason. We feel like right now that we’re going to be able to sustain these injuries because of the depth we have.”

Dana Brown (Image Credits: Imagn)

Bolton’s struggles only allude to the concern. He posted a 5.40 ERA across three outings and hasn’t locked in as a reliable bullpen piece. Meanwhile, Brown pointed to Peter Lambert and Colton Gordon as fallback rotation options, which goes to show the Astros’ willingness to shuffle roles if needed.

Houston Astros Legend Phil Garner Dies at 76

Former Phil Garner, who led the Houston Astros to their first World Series, has died at 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, per the Associated Press on April 13, 2026.

Nicknamed “Scrap Iron,” Garner built a reputation on grit and toughness across a 16-year MLB career, earning three All-Star selections and playing a key role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 championship run before transitioning into managing.

Phil Garner (Image Credits: Imagn)

He later managed 15 seasons in the majors, including a defining stint with the Astros, where he guided the franchise to its first World Series appearance in 2005.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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