The Houston Astros playoff dreams seem to be hanging by a thread as they trail 0-2 in the American League Championship Series.
The rival Texas Rangers took the first two games in Houston and are clicking on all cylinders.
Unfortunately for the Astros, losses at home have been a regular occurrence this season as Minute Maid Park clearly isn’t the fortress it once was.
Former New York Yankees superstar and current FOX Sports MLB analyst Derek Jeter expressed bewilderment over their dismal home performance throughout the season.
Speaking to MLB.com, Jeter emphasized the gravity of the current situation, stating: “It’s not like they’re struggling for a week or a month. This is an entire year. You can’t say they don’t see the ball. You look at the run differential, everybody else sees the ball here, so I don’t know how to explain it.”
“But they need to turn it around, and they need to turn it around quickly, or they’re in trouble,” he added.
This year’s Astros have a home-field disadvantage. My story for @mlb, including thoughts from Derek Jeter: https://t.co/grgqdPNDRs
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 17, 2023
The numbers paint a grim picture for the Astros, as they have never managed to recover from a 0-2 deficit in the playoffs to secure a series win.
With the scorching performance of the Rangers adding to their predicament, the road to a comeback appears daunting to say the least.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope thanks to their remarkable away record.
Dusty Baker’s squad boasts an impressive 16-3 record in their last 19 road games, overshadowing their lackluster 39-42 home record during the regular season.
When pressed about a potential fix for the Astros, Jeter adopted a straightforward approach, suggesting: “I’d take them all to a hotel and pretend we’re on the road.”
To compound matters, the return of Max Scherzer from injury to start Game 3 adds an extra layer of challenge for the already discouraged Astros.
However, Scherzer has shown the ability to shrink on the big stage.
Despite the grim outlook, Jeter isn’t counting the Astros out just yet…
Derek Jeter: "Just because [the Astros] are down two games, it's not over. We've lost a series being up 3-0."
Papi: "YOU DID?!" 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/hmPryMUXlU
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 17, 2023
Do you think Houston can come back in the series?
Or are we looking at a Rangers-Phillies World Series?