Houston Astros should be in on Jake Odorizzi

The Houston Astros suffered a tough break on Tuesday. Framber Valdez, who had emerged as a key piece in their rotation, suffered a fractured left ring finger. Initial reports had Valdez missing some time, but it had been expected that he would return this season.

Those hopes may be out the window. According to Jon Heyman, it has been recommended that Valdez have surgery, which could cost him the 2021 season.

Houston Astros have an option with Jake Odorizzi

The Astros are expected to take a long look at their internal options, notably Forrest Whitley and Luis Garcia. They navigated through a myriad of injuries throughout their entire pitching staff last year, patching together both their rotation and bullpen. While that was not the best situation, it did provide their depth a great deal of experience.

However, the Astros are also expected to take a look at the free agent market. Although pickings are slim at this point, there is still one solid arm available in Jake Odorizzi. He also comes with a degree of risk, having pitched just 13.2 relatively ineffective innings due to injury, allowing ten runs on 16 hits, including four homers, and three walks.

Odorizzi does have a solid track record prior to 2020. Although he is not an ace, he had posted a 3.88 ERA and a 1.235 WHiP over his 991.2 innings between 2014 and 2019. He struck out 957 batters with 343 walks, respectable numbers for a middle of the rotation arm.

That is all the Astros would need Odorizzi to be. Aside from Zack Greinke, the Astros do not have much in the rotation, especially as Justin Verlander and Valdez are likely to miss the majority, if not all of 2021. If ownership is willing to spend the money needed, Odorizzi would be a great fit, not just for this year, but going forward as well.

The Houston Astros have a void in the rotation due to Framber Valdez’s finger injury. Jake Odorizzi would be the perfect fit.