Houston Astros’ Bullpen Struggles Expose Rotation’s Flaws as Team Slumps to 51 Losses

Houston Astros’ bullpen can’t fix a rotation that keeps collapsing, leaving the team at 47-51 and on a losing streak after a 6-5 loss to the Texas Rangers on July 12. The Astros entered the All-Star break with one of baseball’s most dependable relief corps, but that strength has only highlighted how little the starting rotation can be trusted.

Why is Houston’s bullpen burning out?

The Astros’ relievers are logging among the most appearances in the AL, covering for a rotation that ranks near the bottom in innings pitched per game. Bryan King, Steven Okert, and Enyel De Los Santos have all led the league in relief outings, while starters like Cristian Javier—who lasted just three innings in his July 12 start—are forcing the bullpen into late-game fire drills.

How bad is the rotation’s ERA?

Houston’s starters are posting one of the highest ERAs in the majors, and the toll is showing. After Javier’s early exit, relievers had to hold a 5-4 lead for five innings before the Rangers won in walk-off fashion. Manager Joe Espada admitted the team expected limited work from Javier after his injury, but the bullpen’s fatigue became clear when King—who nearly closed out the game—couldn’t stop Kyle Higashioka’s two-out homer.

Can Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski turn things around?

Help might be on the way. Both Blanco and Wesneski are progressing through rehab assignments, offering potential reinforcements for a rotation that’s been a liability. But with the Astros now ninth in the AL, their second-half fate hinges on whether the starters finally step up—or if the bullpen keeps losing games it shouldn’t.

What’s next for Houston’s playoff hopes?

The Astros remain within striking distance of contention, but their path depends on more than just relief pitching. If the rotation doesn’t improve, the bullpen’s workload will only grow, and the team’s late-season collapse could become permanent.