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Reports Put Astros Manager Joe Espada on the Hot Seat After 19-28 Start

Big spending coupled with recent early firings elsewhere raises pressure on Houston to act.

Image
Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) looks out at the field before the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Overview

  • USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that Joe Espada’s job "may be in increasing danger with each passing day."
  • The Astros sit at 19-28 with a -43 run differential, trailing the AL West lead and sitting outside a Wild Card spot, according to The Sporting News.
  • Houston’s staff owns MLB’s worst ERA at 5.75 and a league-worst WHIP of 1.62, with injuries to starters Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Cristian Javier, while Tatsuya Imai just returned on May 12, Heavy reported via Yahoo Sports.
  • The lineup has produced near the top of the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging, yet those gains have not offset the pitching collapse.
  • With a $240.93 million payroll and GM Dana Brown reportedly retaining owner Jim Crane’s confidence, reporting suggests a managerial change could be the near-term move after Boston and Philadelphia fired their skippers earlier this season.