Caleb Ferguson was supposed to shore up the Houston Astros’ bullpen. Instead, he made things worse. Much worse.

The Astros acquired Ferguson from the New York Yankees at the MLB Trade Deadline on July 30, sending forward prospect Kelly Austin and future considerations in return. It’s only been a week, but the move has already backfired.

Ferguson’s August 3rd Houston debut didn’t go well. He allowed two runs on four hits in the final two innings of a 6-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. It was a low-impact outing that didn’t affect the outcome of the game, but it was still a worrisome outing.

This set the stage for Ferguson’s next game on August 5, which cost the Astros the game.

With Houston clinging to a 3-2 lead against the Texas Rangers, Ferguson was called upon to pitch the bottom of the 10th inning. He struck out the first two batters he faced and hit a two-run home run to Josh Smith, sealing the Astros’ third straight loss.

Mistakes happen, but a home run is about the only outcome you can get there. Ferguson needed to keep the ball in the park to keep the game alive, but he couldn’t do it.

In two games in Houston, the 28-year-old left-hander went 0-1, allowing 4 runs and 5 hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched. It probably wasn’t the start he was hoping for with his new team.

Unfortunately, Ferguson’s struggles are nothing new. He was 1-3 in 42 games for the Yankees this year before the Astros acquired him, with a 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, so they knew they were getting a shaky relief pitcher. No wonder New York was so eager to get rid of him.

Ferguson has had success in the past with the Los Angeles Dodgers (18-9, 3.43 ERA), but he may not be that pitcher anymore. Joe Espada should never have entrusted Monday’s game to the struggling left-hander, who needs to return to the low-leverage situations where he belongs.