The Houston Astros are gearing up for the season with some strategic pitching plans. Manager Joe Espada confirmed they’ll kick off with a five-man rotation for the first two weeks, setting the stage for a shift to a six-man rotation come April 10. This adjustment coincides with a stretch of 13 consecutive games without a break, so they’re also planning to bolster their bullpen with multiple long relievers.
Espada explained, “We’re deciding on the rotation and the bullpen’s long men. With a five-man rotation to start, we need to protect our starters and the bullpen’s back end.”
The final roster decisions will come after Tuesday’s exhibition game against Triple-A Sugar Land, with rosters needing to be finalized by Wednesday morning.
Rotation Locks
Hunter Brown, fresh off a stellar season where he finished third in the AL Cy Young voting, is set to make his first Opening Day start against the Angels. Right-handers Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, both impressive in spring training, are likely to follow. Cristian Javier, returning strong from Tommy John surgery, will also be in the rotation, leaving one spot up for grabs.
Contenders for the Fifth Spot
The competition for the fifth starter is between Lance McCullers Jr. and Spencer Arrighetti. McCullers has the edge, having allowed just three earned runs over eight innings this spring.
Arrighetti, who missed much of last year due to injury, has been used in relief during the Grapefruit League, making three multi-inning appearances. He recently left camp for the birth of his twins but will pitch in the exhibition finale alongside McCullers.
Long Relief Options
Espada aims to carry several long relievers, a task made simpler with lefties Josh Hader and Bennett Sousa starting the year on the injured list. Arrighetti might begin the season in the bullpen, potentially transitioning into the rotation when it expands.
Other long relief candidates include right-handers AJ Blubaugh, Kai-Wei Teng, and Ryan Weiss, with at least two likely to make the Opening Day roster. Non-roster invitees Peter Lambert and Christian Roa are also in contention.
Espada noted, “Some long relievers could be used for short stints, like finishing an inning and then pitching another. That’s how we used them in Spring Training, and we’ll start the season similarly.”
Ryan Weiss, who joined the Astros from Korea with a contract that includes starting incentives, has been stretched to 53 pitches in spring games. He might start in long relief or head to Triple-A as a starter.
The Astros’ approach reflects a blend of strategic planning and adaptability, aiming to keep their pitching staff fresh and effective as the season unfolds.
