Chandler Rome Says Astros Have 'Very Little Margin For Error' vs. Mariners

Chandler Rome of The Athletic joins The A-Team following the Houston Astros losing 4-2 to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, making it two straight road losses. Hunter Brown started on the mound, allowing only one run on four hits and no walks while striking out nine in six innings. "Adding that sinker has really helped a lot," Rome said. Even though Brown had one of his best performances of the season, things would unravel for the Astros as Ryan Pressly blew his fourth save of the season in the eighth inning. As to why Brown did not continue after six innings, Rome said "you want [Brown] to leave outings encouraged." First baseman Jose Abreu returned to the lineup in Monday's 3-2 loss, recording an RBI single, but struck out twice in Tuesday's 4-2 loss. "There's not much [Joe Espada or Dana Brown] can say this point," because "they're going to keep playing him." With Abreu brought back up, the corresponding move saw Joey Loperfido sent down to Triple-A. "This is not a permanent demotion," but the Astros "don't view him as a first baseman...they think his true value is in the outfield." The Astros are now 5.5 games back from the lead in the AL West, and Rome says the Astros have "very little margin for error" against their division rival. "The Mariners can't hit, but they can pitch," and "the established guys have to hit" for the Astros.