The Houston Astros are off to a rough start in April 2024, with a record of 7-16 that has them at the bottom of the AL West. The loss of Cristian Javier to injury further depletes a struggling team that is in dire need of help to turn their season around. Historically, only two teams have overcome such a poor start to make the postseason, with the 1914 Boston Braves holding the record for the worst start at 4-18-1.
Looking at projections and historical data, it’s clear that the Astros are facing an uphill battle to get back on track. Their current projected record has been adjusted downwards from preseason expectations, with their playoff probability taking a significant hit. The team will need to improve their pitching, as their current staff ranks poorly in strikeout and walk rates. Injuries to key pitchers further complicate their situation, with a need to potentially make trades to bolster their roster.
While the Astros still have the potential to turn things around, time is running out. If they continue at their current pace, their playoff hopes will quickly diminish. Making proactive moves to address their pitching issues and improve performance will be key if they want to salvage their season and remain competitive in the AL West.
