Astros Open Forum: Will the Astros Make the Playoffs?

Holy Cow!

The Astros just got swept in Los Angeles in four games by the lowly LA Angels. They lost each game from runs scored in the Angels’ last at bat. The pitching staff surrendered a total of 32 runs. The combined Astros ERA during the series was 7.64. The bullpen took all four losses with an ERA of 8.04.

Have injuries finally taken their toll on the Astros staff? Has the predicted regression of the inexperienced and injury -depleted Astros staff finally occurred, and is this the way it’s going to be in the remaining twenty games of the season?

The Astros face a five game in four days series in Oakland. After that they have two games in LA against the Dodger juggernaut. They are currently three and a half games behind the A’s for first place in the AL West. Of course, this year the top two teams from each division make the playoffs, so the most important thing is holding second place. Currently the Astros are just three games ahead of the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are on a five game win streak, while the Stros have lost their last four.

For the season the Astros are rated 13th in MLB in hitting by OPS, and 15th in pitching by ERA. By comparison the Mariners are 24th in hitting and 26th in hitting. But the Mariners have been trending up, the Astros trending down.

Today's open forum topic is: considering the recent meltdowns, numerous injuries, and the difficult remaining schedule, will the Astros hold on to second place and make it to the playoffs?

Comment below the poll.