Without question, the Houston Astros are struggling early on in 2026. Injuries just continue to mount, and questions are surrounding the team in multiple places. The bullpen continues to struggle, and the starting pitchers are starting to return from the injured list, but so far, the future doesn’t look bright - yet. Joe Espada’s Seat Getting Warm, But Brown Is Standing Pat (For Now) Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The firing of Alex Cora in Boston, followed almost immediately by Rob Thompson in Philadelphia, has put the spotlight on struggling managers. Guess whose name is being brought up now? That’s right, mumblings have started about Joe Espada . Social media and some news outlets have said his name as the next manager to be fired. Some of it makes sense. This is both Espada and GM Dana Brown’s contract year. That’s real pressure right there. It would fit if Brown made a move in an effort to try to save his own job.…