Astros struggle in rotation after series loss to Mariners
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 12:00 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Houston Astros dropped a series to the Seattle Mariners, reducing their AL West lead to two games. Hunter Brown's command issues persist, leading to poor performances, while new starter Brandon Blanco was sent down after yielding five runs in Saturday's game. The Astros’ rotation, with a 5.12 ERA, has been a concern heading into the final stretch of the season. Ethan Pecko is set to make his major league debut against the Angels this week as help may be on the way.
- •Astros lead the AL West by two games after series loss.
- •Hunter Brown has walked 13.7% of batters since returning from injury.
- •Brandon Blanco sent down after allowing 20 earned runs in five appearances.
- •Rotation ERA is 5.12, second-worst in the league.
- •Ethan Pecko expected to debut against the Angels this week.
- 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Astros' Rotation Is in Trouble, and It's Bigger Than One Bad Weekend
"The Houston Astros missed a huge opportunity this weekend, dropping the series against the Mariners and barely holding onto the lead in the AL West, leaving the question of whether the Astros are even good.
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