PT TOMORROW: AL West—Bumps and bullpen issues

Houston Astros

Two-plus weeks into the season, and the Astros aren't anywhere close to establish a fixed 9th inning job. Entering Tuesday, two names—Josh Fields (RHP, HOU) and Chad Qualls (RHP, HOU) have one save apiece while Anthony Bass (RHP, HOU) has two. But the skills are so weak among the current candidates that's important to avoid looking too hard at the saves and save opportunities, most of which has to do with the pen's wear-and-tear, along with manager Bo Porter's willingness to use his best relievers in earlier inning high-leverage match-ups.

In the early season small sample 5 IP, Bass has had just one K. His historical 4+ xERA and sub-2 Cmd don't offer any hope that he can run with an extended opportunity. After a nice...

Almost!

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