PT TOMORROW: AL WEST—Houston, we have a problem

Houston Astros

Long-term injuries to rotation mainstays José Urquidy and Luis García—the latter awaiting Tommy John surgery and out for the remainder of 2023—have suddenly left HOU in a precarious position while attempting to defend its AL West dominance. The lack of rotation depth was something we first noted here in February following the free agent defection of Justin Verlander. But these new IL casualties now stacked upon Lance McCullers' (RHP, HOU) pre-season elbow strain has the club scrambling way too early, calling up both Brandon Bielak (RHP, HOU) and J.P. France (RHP, HOU) for abbreviated starts—names that weren't prominent on IP projections anywhere at the beginning of 2023.

Both pitchers are late-20-somethings age-wise and...

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

Joey Cantillo had a strong performance last time out, but can he do enough to hold onto a spot in the rotation?
Jul 11 2025 3:11am
Kim to see more action at 2B in LA; Ginkel next man up in ARI bullpen; playing time crunch in COL OF; Trenton Brooks seeing playing time in SD; 1B challenges continue in SF
Jul 10 2025 3:10am
As Max Scherzer's sore thumb is having a noticeable impact on his ability to make it through games, where does Toronto's rotation depth stand?
Jul 9 2025 3:07am
Robert Garcia has been struggling of late. Is it time for a new closer in Texas?
FREE
Jul 8 2025 3:05am
Luis Robert Jr. should be back soon, DeLauter raking at Triple-A, and more from around the division.
Jul 4 2025 3:05am

Tools