Astros bullpen fatigue rises as starters struggle for innings in August

The Houston Astros faced the New York Yankees on August 26, 2026, amid mounting concerns over bullpen fatigue. None of the Astros' starting pitchers have lasted six innings in over two weeks, leading to an increased reliance on a taxed bullpen that has recorded the MLB's third-lowest ERA since June 1. Manager Joe Espada noted that the team is in a critical stretch of 13 consecutive games, emphasizing the need for starters to work deeper into contests. The Astros recently utilized four relievers to secure a victory but saw their struggling bullpen give up four runs to the Yankees in their latest game, resulting in a 9-3 loss.

• 5:43 AMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros' bullpen fatigue is mounting as starters struggle to work deep into games