Taking Stock of the Astros’ Starting Rotation Depth
Hop over to Roster Resource at FanGraphs and the Astros' starting rotation depth chart is as follows: Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, and J.P. France. José Urquidy and Bradon Bielak are listed as long relievers in the bullpen, which is entirely plausible. I can also envision a scenario where Dana Brown trades Urquidy — and his projected $3.5 million AAV — to help bolster the bullpen and possibly minimize the eventual CBT bill at the same time. Luis García and Lance McCullers Jr. are found on the projected IL. Both right-handers are expected back at some point in 2024, presumably closer to the season’s second half. If everything breaks right, new manager Joe Espada could theoretically have six to nine starting pitchers at his disposal by July or August, not including any minor league arms.