Houston Astros need a prime Gerrit Cole now more than ever

Astros newcomer Gerrit Cole made quite an impression during a ridiculous month of April. He set a franchise record with the immense amount of strikeouts he compiled. But he’s been in a slump as of late. And with two-fifths of the team’s rotation injured, Cole needs to rebound soon.

It seemed bound to happen. After more than half a season without an injury to a starting pitcher, the Houston Astros now have two vacancies left in the rotation.

While younger pitchers have filled in, the absences mean the more seasoned guys need to be at their best. And that includes Gerrit Cole, who slumped in August, posting his worst monthly ERA.

Despite poor numbers throughout the past five starts, Cole still boasts career-best stats. He already surpassed his career high in strikeouts, and barring a bad stretch to end the year, his WHIP will be the lowest its ever been.

But while fans witnessed the right-hander break out during certain parts of the season, Cole still hasn’t been as dominant as he was back in April and May. The 27-year-old notched 10 quality starts in 11 tries throughout the two months.

He had just one in five outings during August alone.

Of course, the strikeouts were still there last month. Cole has managed to whiff at least 40 hitters in each month so far. And his ability to rack them up will continue.

Nevertheless, he must eliminate scoring opportunities for opponents and limit hits. Hitters notched more hits against Cole in August compared to other months. Moreover, he pitched the fewest innings in August compared to all other months.

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Astros ace Justin Verlander keeps the club in games even on his worst days – well except against the Tigers. But Cole is essentially the team’s second ace. And with Dallas Keuchel being inconsistent throughout much of the year, manager A.J. Hinch might lean on his top-two starters more.

It doesn’t mean Houston’s other pitching options have failed. The substitutes have pitched valiantly and have helped the Astros stay atop the American League West.

However, Charlie Morton will be out for a few more starts at least. Lance McCullers probably won’t return to the rotation when he gets healthy.

Even with the best bullpen in the league, Houston must have consistency for five to six innings against the powerful offenses in Boston, Cleveland, Oakland and New York. Thus, the remainder of the season could hinge on Verlander and Cole and their performances.

Surely, Astros fans trust Verlander because he proved his innate competitive ability last year after he was acquired at this time last year. Cole doesn’t have the experience, but he evidently has the tools.

The question remains whether he will continue to struggle as the season nears its conclusion. Being that Houston is far from a lock to make the playoffs, Cole’s outings are more important than ever.

Now the Astros pitcher has an opportunity to exhibit how dominant and clutch he can be. But if he folds, it will be more difficult for the team to repeat as World Series champions.