Astros injuries could doom playoff hopes before they started

The Houston Astros injury depleted roster took another hit on Monday.

The Astros announced that starter Tatsuya Imai and shortstop Jeremy Pena were placed on the injured list. Imai had struggled in his outing on Friday, allowing six baserunners while recording one out, before being sent to Houston for imaging on what is being called a tired arm. Pena, meanwhile, landed on the IL due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Imai's loss removes yet another arm from the Astros rotation. Pitchers Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier landed on the IL due to shoulder strains, leaving Mike Burrows and Lance McCullers Jr. as the only remaining members of the Opening Day rotation.

Injuries taking toll on Houston Astros in early going

Those are not the only injuries the Astros are facing. Closer Josh Hader started the season on the IL, although he could face batters soon. Center fielder Jake Meyers landed on the IL on Friday with a Grade 2 right oblique strain. 

Those injuries, along with other injuries to depth options and the bullpen, have torpedoed the Astros' start to the season. They are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak after their 6-2 loss to the Mariners on Monday. With that loss, the Astros now have the worst record in baseball, a disappointing outcome for a team with postseason aspirations.

There is still plenty of time left in the season. Pennants are not won in April, although a slow start could end those chances. The Astros losing streak, coupled with their injuries, could lead to a long summer.