Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

No reason for Astros fans to panic over team's slow start

By Pierce Downey | Last updated 4/18/23

Astros fans sounded the alarm on social media after the team dropped a series to the Texas Rangers on Sunday. But they have no reason to panic. As Astros writer Michael Schwab has pointed out, Houston (8-9) has started the past four seasons with the same record, but the end results were impressive.

This is fun.

Astros record after first 16 games through the years.

2020: 7-9
2021: 7-9
2022: 7-9
2023: 7-9
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) April 17, 2023

In 2020, Houston lost in the ALCS to the Rays. In 2021, it lost in the World Series to the Braves, and last year the Astros beat the Phillies in the World Series.

The 2023 sample size is small, but the Astros -- who beat Toronto, 9-2, on Monday -- aren't far off from last season's offensive rankings. In runs per game (5.06) and team batting average (.251), Houston ranks 10th and 13th, respectively. The Astros ranked ninth (4.51) and 13th (.247) in those categories in 2022.

The pitching has been solid to begin the season as well. Houston is fifth in the American League in ERA at 3.40. The Astros were second (2.90) in 2022, behind only the Dodgers.

Framber Valdez, Curveballs (home plate views) pic.twitter.com/PDYgOfSqtS
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 17, 2023

After star second baseman José Altuve suffered a fractured thumb in the World Baseball Classic, some wondered how the infield would hold up defensively. Through 17 games, Houston is tied for 11th with two other teams in errors per game (.41). Once the slick-fielding Altuve returns, the overall defense should improve.

Earlier this month, Astros manager Dusty Baker said he expected the team to improve as the season continued.

"Before we get so critical, we got to realize how inexperienced at the big-league level some of these guys are,” he said, per the Houston Chronicle. “We’ve lost a couple of these games by inches, we’ve been in every game."

The Astros have a lot of youth. According to Baseball Reference, Houston has the fifth-youngest pitching staff in the MLB. It also has young, inexperienced position players who have been thrust into important roles, including 26-year-old outfielder Jake Meyers, 25-year-old shortstop Jeremy Peña and 24-year-old catcher Yainer Diaz.

Sometimes it is hard to see light when things are a little gloomy, but the Astros remain a strong contender for the playoffs and World Series. So settle down, Astros fans.

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