Houston Astros: Hinch should give the starting rotation some rest

Most of the Houston Astros starting pitchers are on pace to eclipse the 200-inning mark by the end of this season. While that would be an illustrious feat for the Astros, they will need all five starters come October. Therefore, they will need some rest, and now is the perfect time to provide it.

Houston Astros fans are aware that the club’s starting rotation is not as dominant as it was to begin the season. Despite the recent struggles, Houston’s team ERA still sits below 3.00 ERA, which is stellar.

Nevertheless, it’s time for manager A.J. Hinch to allow starters to rest as the midseason approaches. And the rotation unit should be first on the list.

It’s more of a rarity in the MLB to see starting pitchers toss more than 200 innings. The specialization of relievers and proliferation of injuries disallow hurlers to eclipse that number.

However, all Astros starters are on track to surpass the 200-inning mark by the end of the season. Of course, that’s if they can prevent injuries.

That is a spectacular accomplishment in and of itself. But just one of the five guys in the rotation have a good history with durability and consistency across an entire 162-game season: Justin Verlander.

Meanwhile, Charlie Morton has never pitched more than 171 2/3 innings in one season. Gerrit Cole accomplished the feat twice, but injuries in other years stopped him from reaching that mark again. Lance McCullers Jr. typically gets hurt, which limits his innings considerably.

Houston needs its fearsome five-some in October to compete for another World Series title.

Hence, Hinch could allow pitchers to skip starts occasionally in order to limit their innings. It will be more beneficial now rather than in September, as he will not want to disrupt any of their rhythm near playoff time.

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The Astros sit atop the division by a few games, so this is an opportune time to kick in this decision. Also, Hinch has a deep staff he can resort to, while still remaining competitive in those games.

Who can Hinch turn to when he rests his core five?

Houston possesses arguably the most dynamic, versatile bullpen in the league. It’s built up of former starters that found a new niche as part of the relief unit.

Thus, in these situations, Hinch has several options he can depend on to provide him with at least five or six innings. With Collin McHugh, Brad Peacock and now Cionel Perez, the Astros don’t have to exhaust their pen when their starts are sitting.

Additionally, minor-league options are relevant as well.

Triple-A starters like Trent Thornton and Josh James can provide backup if needed. Top prospect Forrest Whitley can also contribute, especially since it will provide him with a taste of the big leagues.

For a team that might be without four of its current starting pitchers two years from now, younger guys will need experience. The front office will likely re-sign current hurlers or seek out other productive arms to fill in those spots.

However, the team will still need efficient options from its farm system.

Injuries are unpredictable. Yet the Astros can evade future injuries without handing games to divisional competitors.

Throughout the team’s win streak in June, the offense showed it can carry the squad on any given evening. Furthermore, the pitching staff wields so much depth. Long relievers, such as McHugh and Peacock, would be mid-rotation pieces on other teams.

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Surely Hinch will lessen pitchers’ innings as the postseason occurs. But like few other teams, Houston knows how to take advantage of a glorious opportunity.

Trade-related options will cover headlines for the next month. Nevertheless, the aspect of rest and durability can also have a significant affect on the club as it gets closer to October.

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