Houston Astros players talk things over Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Astros woes continue in one-run loss to Mariners

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 5/5/24

It's still early in the season, but it appears the Houston Astros are no longer the same team that has made seven consecutive American League Championship appearances.

Tied at 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, Astros closer Josh Hader tossed a 96 mph fastball which catcher Cal Raleigh belted for a 394-foot home run to left field, giving the Mariners a 5-4 lead which would stand as the final score. Houston lost two of its three games against Seattle.

Cal Raleigh with a solo shot to put the @Mariners on top! pic.twitter.com/omsTJX5FrT
— MLB (@MLB) May 5, 2024

The Astros (12-22) are off to a miserable start and fourth in the American League West. Their issues stem from a spotty pitching rotation. Houston is 26th in baseball in ERA (4.75).

The Astros allowed 13 runs in their series against the Mariners. Seattle has struggled at the plate this season. The Mariners rank 26th in baseball in batting average (.221) and 24th in OPS (.658). This proves the Astros must solve their pitching issues. Otherwise, they could miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The club should consider trading for New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino, who has posted a 2.93 ERA in seven games this season. Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggested the Mets (16-18) may place him on the trade block if they fall out of playoff contention.

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