All signs point to this

How recent developments could reshape Astros rotation in 2024 and beyond

How recent developments could reshape Astros rotation in 2024 and beyond
Justin Verlander is slated to start against Boston on Wednesday. Composite Getty Image.

Houston's Justin Verlander is scheduled to come off the injured list and start the finale of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.

“It's big getting JV on the mound. It's getting one of the best back in there,” manager Joe Espada said. “We know what he means. We know he’s part of this winning culture and getting him back is a big boost for our team, especially down the stretch.”

The 41-year-old ace hasn't pitched since June 9 because of stiffness in his neck. He made two minor league rehabilitation starts, last throwing four innings for Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Espada was asked if the three-time Cy Young Award winner would be on a pitch count since he threw just 57 pitches in his last rehabilitation assignment.

“We’ll see how the outing goes and how efficient he is,” Espada said. “I don’t want to put a number because he can surprise us. But we’re going to keep a close eye on his workload for sure.”

Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts this season. His current stint on the injured list is his second this season after he opened the season on the shelf because of inflammation in his right shoulder.

The Astros just started a stretch of 18 games without an off day and Espada said they will use a six-man rotation at least until they get through that.

Houston has shaken off its early season woes and entered Tuesday's games a season-best 12 games over .500. The Astros lead AL West by five games over the second-place Mariners.

Do we have an update on Luis Garcia?

When Espada met with the media on Monday, he also said Garcia will not pitch for Houston this season.

The club's focus is to get him healthy for 2025. The team hoped both Lance McCullers Jr. and Garcia would be able to contribute in 2024, but both players dealt with setbacks.

Based on these results, it's hard to imagine Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy will pitch in 2025 as they both recover from Tommy John surgery. Verlander also missed the following season (2021) after having Tommy John surgery in 2020.

As we look ahead to the 2025 rotation, Verlander's contract is unlikely to vest (140 innings) making him a free agent along with Yusei Kikuchi. The rotation could look something like this:

Framber Valdez

Hunter Brown

Ronel Blanco

Spencer Arrighetti

Garcia, McCullers, Javier, and Urquidy will be working back from injury. Clearly, Garcia has the best chance to crack the rotation in 2025. We haven't seen McCullers pitch in a game since 2022.

With Urquidy set to be a free agent in 2026 and likely unavailable in 2025, we don't expect the Astros to offer him a contract in arbitration for the 2025 season. His days as an Astro seem to be finished.

In theory, the Astros could try to re-sign Verlander. We'll have to see how he finishes the season and if Jim Crane wants to roll the dice again on the future Hall of Famer.



Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
Anthony Santander has reportedly lowered his asking price. Composite Getty Image.

As we begin another week of MLB free agency, we still haven't seen any movement when it comes to Alex Bregman. Several reports are indicating that the market for Bregman is being impacted by Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.

The thought being, Santander is expected to command less than Bregman, and teams are waiting to see how his market shakes out before making an offer to Breggy.

Which is interesting, because we're seeing reports about Santander softening his stance on demanding a four or five year deal. It appears he's willing to consider a shorter contract with a high yearly salary.

If that is indeed the case, should the Astros consider moving some salary if they can come to an agreement on a short-term deal with Santander?

In theory, trading Pressly's $14 million contract along with Victor Caratini's $6 million dollar deal could allow them to pay Santander $20 million. Of course finding a club to take on all of Pressly's money may not be realistic, but if they could pull it off, should they do it?

This move would weaken the bullpen and the depth at catcher, but the team still has Caesar Salazar to back up Yainer Diaz. And both Pressly and Caratini aren't likely to be back with the Astros anyway after their contracts expire after the 2025 season.

Should we be worried about the Rangers?

MLB Network's Robert Flores (huge Astros fan) joined the Locked on Astros YouTube channel last week and said he likes the Rangers chances to win the AL West this year, despite Vegas giving Houston better odds to win the World Series. Does he have a point?

Farewell to Justin Verlander

Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Giants last week, so it appears he's played his last game in an Astros uniform. But should we close the door on him being traded to Houston again if the 'Stros need another starter and the Giants are looking to move him at the deadline?

Plus, we share some of our favorite Verlander moments from the team's dynastic run!

Be sure to watch the video above as the guys from Stone Cold 'Stros break it all down! And be sure to share your favorite Verlander memories in the comment section on YouTube.


SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome