DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL West—Astros rotation: caution

Houston Astros

In spite of some promising 2012 performances from 28-year-olds Bud Norris (RHP, HOU)8.8 Dom, 4.10 xERA over 168 IP and Lucas Harrell (RHP, HOU)—57% GB%, 3.99 xERA over 194 IP—the Astros rotation isn't drawing much attention, primarily due to HOU's AL move and the potential for a 100-loss season. Norris and Harrell will enter April at the top of the rotation, and as the most viable rosterees of the group. 

Free-agent signee Erik Bedard (LHP, HOU) is expected to make the roster, partly due to a solid spring to date that includes 14 K and zero earned runs allowed over 9 IP. But while the 34-year-old Bedard can still generate the Ks, a Ctl spike fueled an ineffective 5.19 ERA in 2012, and he's always a DL stay waiting to...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Birdsong and Kim waiting on opportunities for SF and LA; OF PT in ARI; Rockies rookies; and impact of Cronenworth absence in SD
Apr 17 2025 3:05am
Liam Hendriks' impending return could shake up Boston's late-inning mix. Plus, Jonathan Aranda's platoon usage, potential call-ups, and more.
Apr 16 2025 3:05am
With Spencer Arrighetti out for six weeks, the Astros need a 5th starter to produce in the short term.
Apr 15 2025 3:01am
A hot MacKenzie Gore is leading a fair to middling effort by WAS starters to kick off 2025. Plus: SP in ATL; bullpen a PHI; 1B in MIA; more.
Apr 14 2025 3:06am
The Cubs are leading the NL Central but will have their pitching depth tested early...
Apr 12 2025 3:05am

Tools