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Astros Fall to AL Worst at 11-19, Pitching Collapse

4/30/2026

Summary

Astros Pitching Collapse

The Houston Astros have slipped to an 11-19 record, the worst in the American League in April 2026.
Their pitching staff has allowed 179 runs, the most in the league, and posts a 5.96 ERA, the league’s lowest.
Injuries to pitchers—including Hunter Brown, who won’t return until May or June—have left the staff vulnerable, prompting analysts Jeff Passan and Laura Lambert to say the Astros cannot fix their pitching this season.

Summary

Orioles Defeat Astros

The Orioles defeated the Astros 5-3 on Tuesday, highlighted by Pete Alonso’s opposite-field two-run homer.
The series’ second game was postponed by inclement weather and will be made up as a doubleheader on Thursday, April 30, at 12:35 p.m. ET.
Jeremy Pena took live at-bats during batting practice, indicating progress in his right-hamstring rehabilitation.
Shane Baz earned his first win since the Orioles acquired him, allowing one run in 5 2/3 innings.

History

Historical Context

After MLB confirmed in January 2020 that the Astros used a camera system to steal signs in 2017-18, the league fined Houston $5 million, stripped its 2020 first-round draft pick and suspended GM Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch. Their replacements—GM James Click and manager Dusty Baker—had to rebuild a roster, a challenge that still shapes the Astros’ pitching depth today.

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Astros Pitching Collapse

The Houston Astros have slipped to an 11-19 record, the worst in the American League in April 2026.
Their pitching staff has allowed 179 runs, the most in the league, and posts a 5.96 ERA, the league’s lowest.
Injuries to pitchers—including Hunter Brown, who won’t return until May or June—have left the staff vulnerable, prompting analysts Jeff Passan and Laura Lambert to say the Astros cannot fix their pitching this season.

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