2018 ALDS: 5 reasons the Cleveland Indians will upset the Houston Astros

Recent flaws begging to be exposed

There aren’t a ton of flaws on the Astros, and while much is made of key Indians’ relievers struggling, the Astros are having a bit of a hiccup with closer Hector Rondon.

Rondon, once a top prospect of the Indians, had a  9.72 ERA during the month of September.

In his last 6.1 innings. He allowed 15 hits, which of course is ridiculously high.

Familiar face Joe Smith hasn’t been as crisp either, allowing five runs off seven hits in his last five innings pitched.

For the season, the right-handed set-up man has a 3.74 ERA, while posing an excellent 1.01 WHIP, but in September, he has a 6.43 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP.

At the dish, star shortstop Carlos Correa hasn’t played at to his peak lately. He’s batting .185 in his last 15 games with 15 strikeouts in 54 at-bats.

Correa was a big part of the Astros’ run to the title last year. He’s just one player, but eliminating him from being a threat certainly helps.

Starter Chalie Morton has dealt with shoulder problems this year. He’s been great with a 15-3 mark (3.13 ERA), but even he’s dropped off a little down the stretch. Throw September stats out the window, because his last two outings have basically been tune ups for the postseason.

But August? That was Morton’s worst month. He had a 4.26 ERA for the month and walked 11 in in 27.2 innings.