How latest reports abruptly shift Houston Astros rotation x-factors

CHANGE OF PLAN

How latest reports abruptly shift Houston Astros rotation x-factors
Should the Astros sign Blake Snell? Composite Getty Image.

Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy made a lot of fans nervous on Friday when he exited his spring training start after just 43 pitches. Elbow pain reportedly was what cut his start short. Urquidy was then sent back to Houston for further evaluation.

Astros manager Joe Espada gave an injury update on Monday. According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Urquidy is dealing with a forearm muscle strain and will likely begin the season on IL.

Editor's note: The article and video were published before Blake Snell signed with the Giants on Monday night.

Houston had already been reported to have interest in signing free agent pitcher Blake Snell in recent days, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

But USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend the Astros now appear to be a “long-shot” to sign him. He's looking for a 2-year, $66 million deal and with a player option for year two.

A contract like this would put the Astros over the second tax-threshold. Not to mention he turned down the Padres qualifying offer as did closer Josh Hader. Which means the Astros would have to send two draft picks to San Diego if they sign Snell.

But if owner Jim Crane decides to pass on Snell, we're looking at a starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, Ronel Blanco, and possibly Brandon Bielak if they opt for a 6-man rotation.

So what should the Astros do? Throw caution to the wind and sign Snell, or hope they get their guys back healthy sooner rather than later?

It's important to keep in perspective that the Yankees have several injuries to their rotation as well. Opening Day will be a matchup between Nestor Cortes and Framber Valdez. Not Gerrit Cole vs.Justin Verlander, like we once expected.

Be sure to watch the video above as we break down the rotation, all the Astros other options, and much more!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on YouTube.

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Nico Collins has a valid point. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

Houston receiver Nico Collins was fined about $5,000 this week for throwing a football into the stands after a touchdown against the Titans.

Collins said it was “definitely worth it” because it was a little kid who caught the ball.

“The only thing that matters was making that kid happy,” he said Thursday. “He ain’t never going to forget that moment. So that’s all that matters to me. It’s cool. I’ll pay the fine.”

Collins grabbed a 5-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter of Houston’s loss to Tennessee on Nov. 24 and threw the ball into the stands underhanded before leaping into the crowd.

“It’s for the kids,” he said. “I seen he was screaming and was thinking here you go big dog. Here’s the ball.”

Collins, who leads the Texans with 832 yards receiving, said he was confused when he received the fine this week because he did the same thing several times last season and was never penalized.

“I guess they think you’re going to poke somebody in the eye or something,” he said.

Collins didn’t share the exact amount of the fine but said it was about $5,000.

He added that he plans to appeal.

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