"We're not even seeing a wild card" - Astros fans giving up hope as pitching continues to be a problem following Saturday's loss to the Tigers
While some Houston Astros fans were holding onto hope that the club could power through their abysmal start, they are starting to lose it. The team took on the Detroit Tigers for Game 2 of their three-game series, and it was not pretty.
Houston starter, Spencer Arrighetti, lasted just 1.1 innings before being pulled. He gave up seven runs on five hits while walking two batters. It led to Detroit's impressive 13-5 victory which evened up the series.
The Tigers outhit the 'Stros 19-10 to give them their 34th victory of the season. The loss drops Houston's record to 32-39, 8.5 games out of first place in the American League West.
There was not much to write home about for Houston fans in this one. Detroit outclassed them offensively, on the mound, and defensively.
"We're not even seeing a wild card lol" - one fan posted.
"Time to sell, lots of buyers" - posted another.
"That game took a year off my life" - posted another.
Fans are ready to see the club sell some pieces ahead of the trade deadline. They have zero faith that their squad can bounce back and turn into contenders.
"Is it too late to swap out the entire team for the Savannah Bananas?" - said another fan.
"Figure it out" - said another.
"Failed season" - said another.
Houston will try to take the series from Detroit on Sunday. They will have their work cut out for them as Kenta Maeda will get the start for the Tigers.
Expect the Astros to be aggressive ahead of the trade deadline
The pitching problem is not going to fix itself for the Houston Astros. While some fans have lost hope for the season, Houston is still somehow in the mix in the American League West.
With the amount of injuries to their starting pitchers, many see Houston being aggressive ahead of the trade deadline. They could target Chicago White Sox starters Garret Crochet or Erick Fedde.
However, The Athletic's Jim Bowden also sees the club trying to upgrade the bullpen and first base following the release of Jose Abreu. Fortunately, there are plenty of options with the amount of teams expected to be sellers.
While it has been a disappointing season thus far, Houston still has plenty of time to right their wrongs and turn things around.