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

Birdsong gets opportunity in SF; ARI bullpen update; Beck taking advantage of full-time role in COL; playing time crunch in LA; and little playing time for bench players in SD
May 22 2025 3:10am
Could Kristian Campbell's potential move to first base clear the way for a Marcelo Mayer promotion? Plus, Ha-Seong Kim and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are progressing towards returns, and more.
May 21 2025 3:05am
Nick Kurtz has gotten off to a rough start to this MLB career, is it time to send him back to AAA?
May 20 2025 8:00am
In fantasy, doubt everything, even the supremely sensible Michael Soroka doubters. Plus: Riley in ATL; Realmuto in PHI; SPs at NYM; 1B in MIA; more.
May 19 2025 3:04am
Lane Thomas has kicked off a rehab assignment and should soon be activated. A look at the potential fallout upon his return, and more from around the division.
May 16 2025 3:11am

Tools