Even with Framber Valdez now with the Tigers, the Astros don’t lack any intrigue in the starting rotation. In fact, for the first time in a couple of years, they may actually have more arms available than open roles on the pitching staff. I half-jokingly state that, fully anticipating my annual post later this summer of how a team can never have enough pitching.
But for all of the intrigue, there are some real question marks. I mean, how does one replace the volume of Valdez’s innings and, more importantly, the results that came with it? How about the health of this staff across a full season? How will Tatsuya Imai adjust in his first season in MLB compared to NPB? One way to calm some of those concerns is Cristian Javier, who might be one of the most important players on the entire roster. While I don’t want to pin all the hope for the upcoming season on him, his performance will dictate the ceiling of this staff. I was encouraged by his four-seam velocity at the end of last season (92.9 mph average), although it still lagged behind his 2022 average of 93.9 mph when he started games. Being further removed from Tommy John surgery, however, might help matters. Regardless, I am going to be curious how his velocity looks in his second Spring Training appearance this year.
It is interesting to see Zach Cole get another look higher in the lineup, hitting between Isaac Paredes and Carlos Correa. While I don’t put much stock into the results around this time of the year, I’ve been encouraged by his eye at the plate (4 walks compared to 5 strikeouts in 20 plate appearances).
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Feature photo courtesy of Pixel Pete
