Don’t overlook the importance of Luis Garcia and José Urquidy
For the majority of last year’s championship season, the Astros boasted a rotation of at least five healthy starters, with up to six to seven names deep at various points. This logjam was enough to push top prospect Hunter Brown into a full-time relief role following his first two major league appearances. Jake Odorizzi was traded to the Braves at the deadline to essentially make room for Lance McCullers Jr. during his return from the IL. The lack of openings also forced two capable starters — Luis Garcia and José Urquidy — to the bullpen once the postseason rolled around.
Looking At Luis Garcia’s Strong Finish
For as much pitching depth as the Astros possess, it was only a matter of time before some difficult decisions were made about the postseason roster. Quality pitchers, who would have expanded roles on other clubs, are facing a roster crunch in Houston. There are only so many innings to go around in a short series. For example, we’ve already seen José Urquidy <a href="https://twitter.com/danielle_lerner/status/1576301684065595395?s=20&t=z6eL8Rrl8Qt6_hzQUKB3MA">moved to the bullpen</a> in advance of the final regular season series against the Phillies. Yes, the same fellow who already has some success in past Octobers. Odds are that he will likely remain in the bullpen if carried on the ALDS roster, barring an injury to another starter. As currently sitauted, the first three starters for the upcoming ALDS is likely Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Lance McCullers Jr. In turn, we’re left one more interesting rotation decision with Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia in the running for the fourth starter role.