The Astros dropped the series finale to the Athletics 5-0 Sunday at Daikin Park. Mike Burrows struggled through five innings, falling to 3-8 on the season. A disappointing end to a series that started so well with back-to-back wins.
What Went Wrong
Burrows gave up five runs, eight hits, two walks, and two home runs in five innings. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run homer in the third inning, and Brent Rooker added a solo shot in the fifth. Both homers came on Burrows' four-seam fastball. He has now allowed 17 home runs this season, the most in the AL, and carries a 5.77 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 73.1 innings, per MLB. The Astros are 3-10 in games started by Burrows.
The Four-Seamer Problem
Opposing hitters are teeing off on Burrows' four-seamer, batting .309 against it with a .721 slugging percentage, the second highest off a four-seamer in baseball this season, per Baseball Savant. The pitch has clearly lost something compared to last season. On Sunday he tried to adjust, moving to the third-base side of the rubber and leaning on his changeup more, throwing it 39 times in his 97-pitch outing.
What Comes Next
The Astros rotation entered Sunday with a 4.81 ERA, the worst in the AL. Hunter Brown returning next week during the Tigers series will be a huge boost, and the Astros are moving to a six-man rotation after Thursday's off day. Brown's return gives them their sixth starter and takes pressure off everyone. Burrows' next start is in Kansas City against one of baseball's worst slugging offenses, which is exactly the kind of opportunity he needs.
Burrows has the talent but the results are not there. Kansas City is a chance to turn things around. The Astros need him to figure it out before the second half gets going.
