Here’s why Houston Astros under-the-radar pivot options look so promising
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
24 February 2023
The Houston Astros have a ton of depth on their pitching staff, and with Lance McCullers being shutdown from throwing, it looks like they're going to need it early in the season.
The loss of Justin Verlander looks like it might hurt a little more than initially thought, and we discuss if owner Jim Crane is having second thoughts about letting him walk.
Plus, we examine some options the Astros could use this season to soften the blow of Verlander's departure. Hunter Brown, Forrest Whitley, and Brandon Bielak come to mind. But what about Bryan Abreu? Could he start some games and work out of the bullpen, similarly to how Cristian Javier did last season?
The Astros knew Verlander would get his rightful deal, McCullers might take time, but besides rotation Brown, they rejected several serious inquiries for Bryan Abreu, who many from the pitching and international side believe can be a top three starter.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) February 23, 2023
Peter Gammons thinks it could be a possibility, but we haven't heard anything about it from the Astros at this point.
Be sure to check out the video above as we cover all the angles.
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Houston Texans add exciting pieces to defensive line and receiver group
Mar 10, 2025, 10:37 pm
Edge rusher Darrell Taylor and wide receiver Braxton Berrios have agreed to one-year contracts with the Houston Texans, two people with knowledge of the deals told The Associated Press on Monday.
Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the deals. Taylor is getting $5.25 million and Berrios will receive $2 million.
Taylor had 24 1/2 sacks in four seasons with Seattle and Chicago. He had a career-best 9 1/2 sacks for the Seahawks in 2022.
The Texans added wideout Christian Kirk in a trade with Jacksonville last week. The deal won’t be official until the new league year begins Wednesday. Former Chiefs receiver Justin Watson also agreed to a deal with Houston on Monday.
Berrios, a return specialist, was limited to six games last year because of injuries. He had a career-high 46 catches for the Jets in 2021 and played for Miami the past two seasons.
According to reports, the Texans also brought back defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins after spending his last season with the Bengals. Pass rusher Derek Barnett was also re-signed.
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