SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
Here’s why Houston Astros under-the-radar pivot options look so promising
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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