How Thin is the Astros Rotation After Framber Valdez’s Injury?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Please, make it stop. The recent swarm of injuries among MLB pitchers, including Houston Astros’ star Framber Valdez, has become nearly unbearable. The extent of Valdez’s injury remains unclear, but elbow soreness in a starting pitcher often leads to grim outcomes. He may need some rest, or the situation could be even more severe.
At this point, the Astros’ starting rotation is extremely depleted. Despite this, Ronel Blanco has been remarkable in his first two starts. Emerging unexpectedly, Blanco pitched a no-hitter and nearly repeated the feat into the sixth inning of his second game. Over 15 innings, he has maintained a 0.00 ERA, 2.97 FIP, and a 0.467 WHIP
Given the multitude of injuries already plaguing the Astros’ rotation, their options are currently limited. They could consider a few minor league prospects, a future Hall of Famer who is recovering from an injury, and a long-relief pitcher from the current bullpen.
Let’s explore how General Manager Dana Brown might strategize to assemble a rotation for the remainder of the first half of the season.
What is the Current Astros Rotation?
With Valdez sidelined, the Houston rotation is significantly weakened. However, as previously noted, Blanco has been exceptional.
Cristian Javier has also been outstanding on the mound. He must maintain his performance as he recovers from a challenging 2023 season.
| Houston Astros Rotation |
| 1. RHP Cristian Javier |
| 2. RHP Hunter Brown |
| 3. RHP J.P. France |
| 4. RHP Ronel Blanco |
Hunter Brown possesses the skills needed to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation pitcher, but now he needs to elevate his game more than initially expected this season.
Manager Joe Espada is counting on Brown not just to perform well, but also to log significant innings. Last year, he pitched 155.2 innings, and the hope is for him to exceed that total this year. However, so far, he has only pitched seven innings across his first two starts of 2024. Brown will need to extend his outings by throwing more strikes and minimizing damage.
J.P. France is another key component of the current rotation. After a strong rookie season in 2023, France needs to continue to harness his capabilities and aim to replicate last year’s performance. Doing so would make him an essential asset in the Astros’ currently vulnerable rotation.
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Who Can Help the Astros Rotation?
What was once a strength for Houston has now turned into a concern. Luckily, the Astros still boast one of the best offenses in the league, and their bullpen is expected to be among the elite throughout the 162-game season.
However, the question remains: whom will Espada turn to every fifth day to start in place of the absent Valdez?
Justin Verlander is increasing his activity but isn’t fully ready to return. He will probably need at least one more rehab start this upcoming weekend.
Verlander’s initial rehab start wasn’t very successful, but such outings are typically more focused on the pitcher getting some work in and feeling good afterward rather than the results. On that note, all indications suggest that he could make his return to Houston within the next few weeks.
Other Options for the Astros Rotation
One viable option already on the Astros’ 26-man roster is Brandon Bielak, who is familiar with starting roles. Last year, Bielak started 13 games, pitching a total of 80 innings for the team, and has already contributed 6.2 innings over three appearances this season. Despite a tough game against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, he rebounded on Monday night with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.
Bielak delivered an adequate performance last season, posting a 3.83 ERA with a 5.19 FIP. His strikeout rate was 7.0 K/9, and he had a somewhat elevated walk rate of 4.1 BB/9.
While Bielak may not be an exceptional choice, he could be the best option available for Houston until Verlander returns.
Farm System Options for Houston
Blair Henley, the skilled right-hander, was called up unexpectedly to start in Valdez’s place last Monday night.
Henley, who pitched at the University of Texas, faced command issues during his MLB debut. It’s natural for nerves to run high in such situations, but it was uncharacteristic for him to be so erratic.
Henley deserves another opportunity, ideally under less stressful circumstances than an MLB debut and performing in front of his hometown crowd. However, with only one Triple-A start under his belt, it’s likely he’ll return their to further hone his skills.
Spencer Arrighetti, Rhett Kouba, and Colton Gordon are all promising starters. Arrighetti is the highest-rated among them. Gordon, a left-handed pitcher, is currently on the injured list and won’t be available for a few more weeks.
Is Arrighetti ready for his MLB debut? It seems we might find out very soon, as Chandler Rome of The Athletic has reported that Arrighetti’s contract has been selected from Triple-A.
Kouba, who completed his college career at Dallas Baptist University, is known for his accuracy. He doesn’t overpower batters but effectively keeps them off balance with his varied pitch arsenal. In 2023, he was named the Texas League – Double-A – pitcher of the year.
Help is Coming Soon
If rehab efforts continue to progress well, the Astros are expected to welcome back Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia by the end of July or early August. While this is excellent news, there’s still a significant stretch of the season to navigate until then.
In the meantime, help will need to come from elsewhere, and as you can see, the available options are limited and largely untested. This will be a significant challenge for the defending AL West champions, but they have faced adversity before and know what it takes to succeed.
The rotation challenges are mounting for the Astros. With an increasing number of injuries, 2024 might turn out to be the toughest test this Houston dynasty has yet faced.
If only Yordan Alvarez could pitch as well as he hits—then Houston would have far less to worry about.
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