Minnesota Twins pitcher Jose Berrios had a rough outing against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, exiting the game after just 2.2 innings. The early exit was a surprise to many fans and analysts, as Berrios has been one of the Twins’ most reliable starters this season.

Berrios struggled from the start, giving up three runs in the first inning and two more in the third before being pulled from the game. His command was off, as he walked three batters and hit another with a pitch. His fastball lacked its usual velocity and movement, leading to some hard-hit balls by the Astros hitters.

One possible explanation for Berrios’ struggles could be fatigue. The 26-year-old has been a workhorse for the Twins this season, pitching over 150 innings in 23 starts. With the team out of playoff contention, there may have been some concern about overworking their ace pitcher.

Another factor could be the quality of the Astros lineup. Houston boasts one of the most potent offenses in baseball, led by stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Yordan Alvarez. Facing such a formidable lineup can be a daunting task for any pitcher, even one as talented as Berrios.

Despite his early exit, Berrios remains a key piece of the Twins’ rotation and will likely bounce back in his next start. Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in Berrios after the game, stating that he expects the right-hander to learn from this outing and come back stronger.

Overall, Berrios’ early exit against the Astros was a disappointing performance for both him and the Twins. However, it serves as a reminder of the ups and downs that come with being a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. With his talent and work ethic, there’s no doubt that Berrios will be able to overcome this setback and continue to be a force on the mound for Minnesota.