‘Frustrated’ Astros aiming to get back on track

HOUSTON — From baserunning to pitching to hitting, the Astros clearly haven’t hit on all cylinders in the first month of the season, which is why they find themselves heading into Friday’s series against the A’s in Oakland tied with the Twins for the worst record in the American League at 7-15.

The starting rotation, which has been without righty Lance McCullers (shoulder soreness), has underperformed, with anchors Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh having yet to duplicate the success they had last year. Reliever Ken Giles — the team’s biggest offseason acquisition — has been roughed up in the bullpen, and the offense has been inconsistent at best.

It’s all added up to a frustrating few weeks for the Astros, who were picked by many to win the American League pennant and expected by almost everyone to at least return to the playoffs. There’s still plenty of time for them to reach those goals, but the turnaround has to start soon.

“Naturally we all are searching for answers,” second-year Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “I think the hardest thing to do at this level, it’s an accumulative mental grind. Our guys have to be tough enough to handle it. … Easier said than done sometimes, but I’m sure all of our guys are collectively frustrated but need to find the resolve to get back on track.”

Several key players, including Giles, outfielder Carlos Gomez and catcher Jason Castro, have struggled, but the Astros haven’t played clean baseball as a whole. Costly errors, baserunning gaffes …

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