Jun 30, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Hartman (69) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
After a month of offensive and rotational dominance, the Houston Astros split a series in Detroit, before being swept at home by the O’s. Frustration, lack of rest and injuries circle a team hitting the backend of their 20-game stretch without an off day.
You don’t expect a rebuilding team that lacks offense, effective starters and a lack of a respectable road record sweep a contender, but this seems to be a reoccurring phenomenon for the 2021 Astros.