Two teams that entered this season with postseason aspirations now find themselves in danger of drifting out of contention before Memorial Day. The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles, who begin a three-game series Tuesday night in Houston, have each underperformed expectations through the first quarter of the schedule. According to a Deadspin report, both clubs are desperate for a fast start and the momentum that has eluded them. The Astros, perennial American League contenders, have struggled with an inconsistent rotation and a bullpen that has blown multiple leads. The Orioles, last season’s AL East champions, have seen their lineup fail to produce at a playoff pace. Each team needs this series not merely for a win column boost, but to restore the identity that made them division threats. The loser risks falling further behind in a crowded standings picture, with no obvious schedule relief ahead.