
Kentucky governor blasts 'decision-making' at UK
Kentucky Governor Beshear questions UK decision-making amid Barnhart's new role.
The Houston Astros are struggling early in the season with a 5.93 ERA and injuries affecting their lineup. Owner Jim Crane may not accept excuses, putting manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown on the hot seat.
Mentioned in this story
Astrosā early struggles put front office, coaches on hot seat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Astros were expected to have a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but their start has been less than ideal.
With a pitching staff that has a team-worst 5.93 ERA, Houston is in desperate need of reinforcements but has instead been hit with more injuries. While the offense has been efficient, the Astros have struggled to set consistent lineups with players jumping in-and-out of the lineup due to injuries.
While the injuries offer a valid explanation, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal doubts team owner Jim Crane thinks the same and hints that manager Joe Espada and general managers Dana Brown might be on the hot seat.
āHe is an owner who clearly has stated many times, the window here will always be open. And I don't sense heās one to hear excuses,ā Rosenthal said on Foul Territory.
The Astros are 9-15 and last in the American League West. They have won only three of their last 15 games and were recently swept in back-to-back series by the Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners.
Much of Houstonās early struggles stem from a depleted pitching staff, especially after losing key contributors and dealing with a wave of injuries.
The Astros currently have a team-worst ERA of 5.93, which significantly hampers their chances of success this season.
Manager Joe Espada and general manager Dana Brown are reportedly on the hot seat amid the team's disappointing start.
Injuries to key players and a struggling pitching staff are major factors contributing to the Astros' early season difficulties.

Kentucky Governor Beshear questions UK decision-making amid Barnhart's new role.

NBA MVP Race: Who will take the title - Jokic, SGA, or Wemby?

Columbus gets NWSL expansion team for $205 million, starting in 2028!

Colts QB Daniel Jones back to throwing as he recovers from Achilles injury
Rams GM Les Snead says no drama expected in Matthew Stafford's contract talks.
NBA playoff reactions and WNBA training camp storylines discussed!
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
After letting two-time All-Star Framber Valdez sign with the Detroit Tigers in free agency, Houston was looking to replace his production behind the arms of last year's Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown and high-profile offseason signing Tatsuya Imai.
However, Brown made just one and a half starts before suffering a right shoulder strain. Imai also struggled to adapt to MLB play before landing on the injured list with arm fatigue.
Additionally, even when Houston receives quality starts from its rotation, it has struggled to close out games. Closer Josh Hader has yet to make an appearance after opening the season on the injured list with left bicep tendinitis. The Astros rank in the bottom half of the league with just five saves.
While the season is still in its early stages, Houston will need to stabilize its pitching staff quickly to avoid falling further behind the American League.