Houston Astros: Two aces, two jokers, and a question mark
Justin Verlander and Zach Greinke will headline the Houston Astros starting rotation which suddenly seems barren of quality arms.
From the moment Gerrit Cole donned his Scott Boras hat at the conclusion of the World Series, the Houston Astros have been scrambling to find suitable arms to fill out their starting rotation. Except, they haven’t been.
The Astros have not signed any free agent pitchers this offseason. They really haven’t signed any free agents save bringing in backup catcher Dustin Garneau. The turmoil the Astros faced this offseason with the sign-stealing scandal and subsequent firing of both their GM and on-field manager have left them looking internally to fill out the pitching staff.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Veterans Justin Verlander and Zach Greinke will slot into the top two spots and provide a quality start every time out. Lance McCullers Jr., fresh off Tommy John Surgery, seems to slide in as the third pitcher. Whether McCullers is put on an innings limit remains to be seen. Rookie Jose Urquidy seems to have the highest upside and should be given a chance to prove himself at the big-league level. He was trusted with the ball in Game 4 of the World Series and threw five shutout innings while allowing only two hits.
The final spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Brad Peacock would presumably get a long look. He won 13 games for the Astros in 2017 and has shuttled between the bullpen and rotation ever since. Framber Valdez and Francis Martes both have limited big-league experience and also spent time in the Astros bullpen when on the roster. Some may throw out the name Forrest Whitley to get a chance at the five spot. At 21 years-old the former first-round pick was touched to the tune of a 12.21 ERA in his limited work in Triple-A last year. The Astros probably want to stash him in the minors again this year to receive some seasoning.
Next. Red Sox: If Roenicke is the new skipper, he won’t have it simple. dark
With the uncertainty surrounding the team’s starting rotation, one aspect is certain. The Houston Astros will be constantly combing the waiver wire, independent leagues, and want-ads looking for suitable reinforcements for the pitching staff.