It is unknown whether or not Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers will be on the disabled list for an extended period. But if he is, here are a few pitchers that could slide into the rotation.
The Houston Astros made it 112 games without suffering an injury to its stellar starting rotation. But that streak ended Saturday after Lance McCullers felt elbow pain during his start.
Houston’s front office placed him on the disabled list Sunday. Thus, the Astros need a replacement, at least for the time being.
Elbow issues warrant serious attention. At this point, trainers don’t know whether this will be a prolonged or minor injury. But clearly McCullers won’t be on a mound until the tension in his arm subsides completely.
But that shouldn’t be an issue, as manager A.J. Hinch has arguably the deepest staff in the league. And several of his pitchers have experience as a starter.
Yet, it’s unknown whether any of the options available will be able to match McCullers’ numbers.
Despite his inconsistency at times, the 24-year-old owns solid numbers. A sub-4.00 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings is good for a back-end option. While he cannot compare to the aces at the top of Houston’s staff, he is still reliable.
More importantly, McCullers is dependable in various scenarios. Astros fans remember how his 24 straight curveballs flummoxed Yankees hitters. He is an asset in multiple ways.
That’s essentially how every pitcher is in Houston, but the club still needs a set person for every fifth day. Whoever makes the start in McCullers’ place could be a long-term necessity.
Therefore, as medical reports come in, Hinch will weigh his options. And between the minor leagues and his bullpen, he has several viable options.
Here are a few he could look at more closely.