Here's what to expect from the Astros rotation in 2020
POINT BLANK PRESENTED BY FITZ ROOFING
15 November 2019
POINT BLANK PRESENTED BY FITZ ROOFING
The Astros are expected to lose Gerrit Cole in free agency, but at this point no one knows if Jeff Luhnow will bring in a free agent to replace him, or go into the season using the pitchers already on the roster.
4 of the Astros starters seem locked in, with Verlander, Greinke, McCullers, and Urquidy. But who will take the 5th spot?
ESPN 97.5's Joel Blank shares his thoughts on which pitcher the Astros will consider for the 5th spot in the rotation, and much more. Point Blank is presented by Fitz Roofing.
After a light day on Wednesday, the Texans put the pads back on for an intense Thursday practice. One of the newest Texans, CJ Gardner-Johnson has drawn a lot of attention at camp. Which should be expected when a Super Bowl champion safety joins the team.
Earlier in the week, things got a little heated between Gardner-Johnson and tight end Cade Stover, which made headlines. Unfortunately for CJ, he's in the news for a very different reason on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, Gardner-Johnson is dealing with a right leg injury, and was carted off the field.
Next steps: testing, MRI expected for #Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson who is currently inside @The_Greenbrier Sports Performance Center being examined by team medical personnel @KPRC2 https://t.co/PDRwOMACNe https://t.co/9CZXqApWDA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2025
The extent of the injury won't be known until more test are taken. But based on the vibes, this does not sound good.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update after practice.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans called the C. J. Gardner-Johnson injury “heartbreaking.” pic.twitter.com/X2UQP1qK9T
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 7, 2025
The Texans are now suddenly thin at the safety position if Gardner-Johnson misses significant time. Safety Jaylen Reed is already out with an injury, per Aaron Wilson" target="_blank">Aaron Wilson, and Jimmie Ward is recovering from foot surgery, and dealing with some legal troubles.
Up next
The Texans head to Minnesota to play their first preseason game against the Vikings this Saturday.