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

The Cubs are looking for offense, could Matt Shaw in right field provide an answer?
Jun 19 2026 3:05am
Could Tigers prospect Max Clark make his MLB debut sometime soon? Plus, Kyle Teel and Shane Smith timelines in Chicago, CLE 3B depth in the wake of the J-Ram injury, Michael Massey looking up in KC, and pitching returns on the horizon in MIN.
Jun 18 2026 3:05am
Lawrence Butler is starting to hit and that's leading to more playing time in Sacramento.
Jun 17 2026 3:08am
If the Mets hope to emulate the Knicks' success in ending their championship drought, they'll need more--much more--out of 1B. Plus: RF in PHI; C in WAS and ATL; RP/SP in WAS; more.
Jun 16 2026 3:11am
Is the red-hot Blaze Alexander forcing his way into the third base job in BAL? Plus, injury reinforcements coming for the BOS infield and TAM outfield, and more from around the AL East.
Jun 16 2026 3:05am

Tools