Astros welcome the Blue Jays, looking to get first win of the season
The Astros are 0-4 and are looking to get their first win of the season against the Blue Jays.
Three teams under the most pressure after MLB opening weekend
The opening weekend of the MLB season is in the books, and while some teams got off to hot starts, several others are already reeling.
With that in mind, here are three teams that are facing the most pressure to quickly turn things around following poor starts to the season.
Houston AstrosHouston Astros
Heading into Monday night’s game against the Blue Jays, the Astros are 0-4 for the first time since 2011 after being swept by the visiting New York Yankees, a team they’ve typically dominated in recent years.
While Houston didn’t necessarily get demolished, having lost three games by a combined four runs, it was nonetheless a disappointing performance all around.
As pointed out by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the Astros struggled mightily at the plate with runners in scoring position, going 8-for-41.
Even so, Houston’s bullpen, which entered the season being viewed as the best in the majors, was the biggest letdown of the season-opening series. Before Monday’s game, the Astros ranked 24th in ERA among MLB bullpens (6.89), last in FIP (7.40) and first in blown saves (three).
With as much talent as Houston has, it’s safe to say this season won’t come close to mirroring that of 2011 when it finished 56-106.
However, for the Astros to get back on track and push for their eighth consecutive ALCS appearance, they must greatly improve their performance at home. Houston is 16-32 over its past 48 games at Minute Maid Park, including the playoffs, dating to last season, per StatMuse.
New York Mets
If their opening series is any indication, it’s shaping up to be another drama-filled, disappointing season for the Mets (0-3). Milwaukee (3-0) embarrassingly swept New York, with Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins once again playing the villain role against his former division rival.
Hoskins caused a stir with a controversial legal slide on Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil on Opening Day and continued to crush New York throughout the weekend.
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