Astros' bullpen depth exposed in series sweep by Tigers
The Houston Astros lost closer Josh Hader about a week ago to shoulder soreness, and the timeline for his return during the regular season is unknown.
After being swept by another World Series hopeful team in the Detroit Tigers, the Astros still sit 1.5 games up in the American League West thanks to the Phillies sweeping the Mariners.
However, Houston gave up 7 and 10 runs in two of their three losses to Detroit.
Astros' bullpen is being challenged without Josh Hader
In the first game of the series, which was a 10-0 Tigers victory, starter Spencer Arrighetti didn't do the bullpen any favor by giving up five runs early, but Tayler Scott followed by giving up five runs of his own, and it was quickly out of hand.
Astros' ace Hunter Brown turned in a marvelous start in a pitchers' duel between himself and CY Young favorite Tarik Skubal, and the bullpen performed exceptionally well except for Kaleb Ort, who issued three walks in the bottom of the 10th inning.
You can't put all the blame on the pitching staff for the sweep, though. Houston scored just two runs in the series and was shut out in the first two contests. It's well known that Bryan Abreu is taking over the closer role in Hader's absence, but it's more of a matter of whether the Astros are going to put themselves into a position for him to close out games, because that remains to be seen.
Abreu has been one of the best relievers in the sport, posting a 1.61 ERA in 56 innings and 84 strikeouts. He added his first save of the season over the weekend and will likely carry the closer role for another couple of weeks, until Hader does or does not return.
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