Two Major League Baseball teams are confronting significant early-season challenges that could impact their performance throughout the campaign.

The Houston Astros are dealing with concerns in their bullpen, particularly involving relievers Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu. The team's relief pitching unit has underperformed expectations, with both health and effectiveness issues plaguing key contributors. The struggles have left the Astros' bullpen ranked among the worst in Major League Baseball.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants are facing offensive struggles from first baseman Rafael Devers, who signed a contract worth more than $250 million. Devers has experienced a difficult start to the season, leading him to question whether he has "forgotten how to hit." The poor performance represents a concerning development for the Giants given their significant financial investment in the veteran slugger.

Both situations highlight how individual player struggles and unit weaknesses can significantly impact a team's early-season trajectory. The Astros will need improved health and performance from their relief corps, while the Giants will be looking for Devers to regain his offensive form as the season progresses.