Astros’ Playoff Hopes Dim After Loss to A’s

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Houston Astros’ chances of making the playoffs took a hit after a 5-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday evening. The defeat pushes the Astros one game behind the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers for the third AL wild-card spot, making their path to the postseason increasingly difficult.

Astros manager Joe Espada‘s decision to bench Jesús Sánchez for the first six innings against left-handed starter Jeffrey Springs illustrated the team’s ongoing struggles. Sánchez, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline, has had a disappointing performance with a batting average of .198 since joining Houston.

Despite Sánchez’s previous success against right-handers in Miami, where he slugged .466, his inability to hit against left-handed pitchers limited his opportunities. Espada opted for Zach Cole, who has hit three home runs since being called up on Sept. 12, instead. This choice highlights the team’s desperate need for effective batting, particularly in crucial late-season games.

The Astros’ issues weren’t limited to Sánchez’s performance. Utilityman Mauricio Dubón, who filled in at shortstop for All-Star Jeremy Peña, emphasized the team’s need to wake up and push for victories. With five regular-season games remaining, the pressure is mounting.

“We just have to keep going and win,” Dubón said. “We have to wake up. There’s no way around it.”

Houston’s roster is currently hampered by injuries, including star slugger Yordan Alvarez, who is away from the team. General manager Dana Brown’s trade deadline strategy, which included bringing in Sánchez and Ramón Urías, has yet to transform the offense, leaving the Astros with only limited scoring options.

In the last 47 games, Houston had scored three or fewer runs in 22 games, reflecting a troubling pattern for the team. The lineup, predominantly filled with right-handed hitters, has faced challenges against lefties, managing to face southpaw starters in only 35 out of their first 156 games.

As the Astros continue their playoff pursuit, the need for consistent offensive performance grows critical. Espada acknowledged the urgency, stating that the team is running out of time to generate the necessary offensive output.

“We need more consistent quality at-bats,” he said, as they aim to pull together before the postseason arrives.