Reports: Astros Insider source discusses a recently revealed issue that could derail the team’s exciting streak. by…..Read more

The problems that threaten the Astros’ thrilling run were brought to light by a second loss that occurred in the shadows of a building that was getting close to its conclusion. A clash against the squad that is currently in last place in the division turned into a downpour of home runs and provided further proof that the beginning rotation is in need of reinforcement.

One week left until the trade deadline on July 30, and the acquisition of assistance for that worn-out unit continues to be Houston’s most obvious need. On Tuesday, the Oakland Athletics hit five home runs, four of which were against right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss, who was making his third start in the major leagues. This served as a striking reminder of the slugger that Houston’s offense is currently lacking.

Two runs were scored in 18 innings against an A’s pitching staff that woke up on Tuesday with the eighth-highest earned run average in baseball. A lineup that had been able to compensate for Kyle Tucker’s absence for more than a month has cooled down, accumulating a total of 16 runs over its last seven games. During a game that was going in the wrong direction against the Astros’ opener, it did not mount much of a response.

It is a reflection of both the injuries that the Astros have sustained and the inability of their front office to strengthen a squad that has been weakened by them that they continue to look to Bloss as a fifth starter. Despite playing on the most precarious of footing, Houston’s rotation has a 3.52 earned run average during its last 50 games, which is the second-lowest in the American League over that time period.

With five healthy starters on their roster, the Astros have a total of forty players. They called Bloss directly from Double-A as a stopgap, rushing him to the majors, and then operating with four starters when Bloss spent three weeks on the injured list with a shoulder issue. This was an unfavorable reflection on their remaining upper-level depth, but it was for the best.

Bloss, who is 23 years old, was promoted to the major leagues after making eight starts at the Double-A level. Despite having been drafted less than thirteen months ago, he is already starting games that are significant for an Astros club that is competing for its division.

In a statement made on Tuesday evening, the manager Joe Espada stated, “That is where we are at right now as a team.” We were all of the opinion that he was prepared to throw at the major league level, and he has demonstrated that he is capable of pitching at the major league level. There are both highs and lows. You can see that with young pitchers as well as with senior pitchers, and we are here to assist him through the highs and lows that he will experience at the major league level.