Astros Struggle to 7-11 Start, Raising Concerns

MLB writer warns the struggling Astros may be in serious trouble this season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted shades of navy, forest green, and burnt orange.The Astros' struggles to start the season have exposed cracks in the team's championship foundation.Houston Today

The Houston Astros have stumbled out of the gate with a 7-11 record to start the 2026 season, raising alarm bells for the once-dominant franchise. After a disastrous road trip that included a sweep by the Colorado Rockies, concerns are mounting about the team's ability to bounce back from injuries and diminishing returns in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Astros have been one of the most successful teams in baseball over the past decade, winning the World Series in 2017 and making the playoffs consistently. However, their slow start this season has sparked questions about whether the team's championship window may be closing, especially with key players dealing with injuries and declining performance.

The details

During their recent road trip, the Astros were swept by the Colorado Rockies and only managed to win one game against the San Francisco Giants. This poor performance has exacerbated concerns about the team's overall struggles, which include a 7-11 record to begin the season.

  • The Astros started the 2026 season with a 7-11 record.
  • The team recently completed a disastrous road trip, including a sweep by the Colorado Rockies.

The players

Houston Astros

A Major League Baseball team based in Houston, Texas that has been one of the most successful franchises in the league over the past decade, winning the World Series in 2017.

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The takeaway

The Astros' slow start has raised serious concerns about the team's ability to maintain its championship-level performance, especially with key players dealing with injuries and declining production. The team's struggles on their recent road trip have only exacerbated these worries, leaving many to wonder if the Astros' championship window may be closing.