Convenience Big Store: Another close loss underscores Astros' roster limitations

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Today's starting lineup

We start with another tough loss by the Astros to sift through.

This time, Houston took a 3-1 lead in the 10th against the Giants but Rafael Montero couldn't hold it, giving up three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Monday's loss underscored many of the roster limitations manager Joe Espada has faced, from a tired bullpen to limited options off the bench to pinch hit. Matthew Kawahara explains.

If you need something to cheer you up, recalling the Rockets first NBA championship could help. Chronicle readers are invited to a private Zoom chat at noon on Tuesday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Rockets' win over the Knicks with former players Mario Elie and Matt Bullard. Click this link to register for the event.

And speaking of looking back, former Texans coach Bill O'Brien admits to some mistakes he made when taking on too much beyond coaching.

Also with the Texans, outspoken cornerback Steven Nelson decided to retire.

Stat of the day: 12. Blown saves by the Astros bullpen so far this season after Monday's 4-3 loss to the Giants.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hader (71) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Associated Press

Astros insider: Another close loss underscores roster limitations

A limited bench and a tired bullpen added up in a 10-inning loss to the Giants

Giants 4, Astros 3: For the second game in a row, the Astros suffered a walk-off loss, this time in 10 innings.
Full-time job: Mauricio Dubón has started games at seven different defensive positions this season but would like to outgrow his utility role.
Sitting out: Yainer Diaz injured his finger on Sunday in Anaheim so he sat out Monday's game in San Francisco as a precaution.

Rockets / NBA

Forgoing what would have been his junior and senior years at George Bush High School and a freshman year in college, Tyler Smith played two seasons with Overtime Elite and one with the G League Ignite.

Photo by: Kyle Hess/Overtime Elite

Houston's Tyler Smith is great with NBA names, can't wait to be one

After three combined seasons with Overtime Elite and the G League Ignite, the rangy 6-foot-9 forward is a projected first-rounder in this month's draft.

VIP event: Chronicle readers are invited to a private Zoom to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Rockets' first NBA championship, with former players Mario Elie and Matt Bullard.