MLB Insider Outlines Houston Astros’ Biggest Concern, And It’s Alarming

Dana Brown (Image Credit: Getty Images)

MLB Insider Outlines Houston Astros’ Biggest Concern, And It’s Alarming

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated May 6, 2026 1:31 PM ET

The Houston Astros dropped off their perch in the American League West after ending their run of eight consecutive postseason appearances last year. Their playoff hopes for 2026 are already in severe doubt after a disastrous opening month to the season. The Astros are struggling on multiple fronts with injuries wreaking havoc through their roster.

Buster Olney of ESPN pointed to the Houston Astros’ pitching staff as the team’s most pressing issue for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Astros will need to make drastic improvements to the starting rotation and the bullpen to stand any chance of contending for the playoffs. But he fears there could be more injuries to their pitchers.

“The Houston Astros’ MLB-worst team ERA tells the story. The rotation has been awful and the bullpen even worse. There have been lots of injuries—even in relation to the current MLB landscape, where no pitcher can tread lightly,” Olney wrote.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/mpMfGs2THt
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 5, 2026

The Astros have multiple injuries to their lineup as well. They scratched third baseman Carlos Correa from the lineup on Tuesday with a serious ankle injury after placing catcher Yanier Diaz on the 10-day IL. Meanwhile, shortstop Jeremy Pena is also on the IL with a hamstring issue.

Houston Astros May Run Out Of Playoff Race Before Key Pitchers Return

On the pitching side, Hunter Brown is out of the Houston Astros’ starting rotation due to right shoulder strain. At the same time, closer Josh Hader is yet to feature for the Astros this year. MLB insider Buster Olney believes their return will be a big boost for the team, but it may be too late by then to challenge for a postseason berth.

Hunter Brown (Image Credits: Imagn)

“Getting Hunter Brown and Josh Hader back will eventually help, but the Astros need to win some games until then for that to matter,” Olney stated.

The Houston Astros currently have a 15-22 record for the season. They are 4.0 games behind the leaders in the American League West.

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

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