How Houston Astros strategically pivot as rotation competition heats up

STONE COLD 'STROS

Some startling news came out of Astros spring training this week when it was revealed Justin Verlander and JP France are dealing with shoulder issues and may not be able to start the season on time.

On the bright side, Verlander threw a brief bullpen session on Thursday, so that's certainly a good sign. The fact that he and France aren't shutdown from throwing should bode well for their outlook this season.

But things could get tricky early on for the 'Stros with 20 games in the first 21 days. Chandler Rome recently reported that Joe Espada was considering a six-man rotation even before the Verlander and France news.

Which means we may see Ronel Blanco and/or Brandon Bielak make some starts in April and May with so many games on the schedule.

The team will also be hoping that Hunter Brown has a breakout season. He really struggled last year, finishing with an ERA over five.

One thing is for sure, if the Astros get bounce-back seasons from Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier, they should be in great shape. Speaking of which, early photos of Valdez at spring training are encouraging. It appears he might be down a few pounds from last season.

And with the pitch clock not going anywhere, it pays to be in good shape with a long season ahead.

Plus, could we see the Astros top pitching Spencer Arrighetti make some starts for the big league club this season?

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss Arrighetti and the all the other pressing rotation questions the Astros will face in 2024.

Watch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel.

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Texans defeat the Dolphins 20-12. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Nico Collins had two touchdown receptions and Houston’s defense forced four turnovers, highlighted by two fourth-quarter interceptions by Derek Stingley, to help the Texans to a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

It’s the second straight victory for the Texans (9-5), who can clinch the AFC South title for a second straight season with a loss by the Colts later Sunday.

Don't miss the video below as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts live to the win on YouTube!

Collins had a 6-yard TD reception in the second quarter and his second 6-yard scoring grab made it 20-6 in the third. That score was set up by a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale on a fake punt.

Tua Tagovailoa threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jonnu Smith with about 4½ minutes left in the third quarter, but the kick failed to cut the lead to 20-12.

The Dolphins were driving again with about 10½ minutes left when Stingley hopped in front of Tyreek Hill to grab an interception at the Houston 20.

The Texans had two drives after that, but had to punt both times to give the Dolphins a last chance. Stingley came through again, intercepting another pass intended for Hill to recure the win.

C.J. Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns for Houston on a day Joe Mixon managed just 23 yards rushing on 12 carries after being shaken up by a hard hit early.

Tagovailoa lost a fumble and threw three interceptions for Miami (6-8) on a day he played without starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm. Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards.

There was a scary scene in the third quarter when Miami receiver Grant DuBose was taken off the field on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The team said he is in stable condition and being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

DuBose tried to make a catch in the third quarter, but was hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock before his head violently hit the turf. Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes as he was tended to by emergency medical personnel. His jersey was cut off him and a neck brace was put on him while players from both teams watched with concern.

DuBose was eventually put on a spine board where his arms and legs were strapped down and he was taken off the field. A tube of some kind was in his mouth and no movement could be seen as he was taken off the field.

The Texans got a 44-yard field goal on their first possession and the Dolphins tied it with a 55-yard field goal early in the second.

Will Anderson Jr. sacked Tagovailoa from his blind side, causing a fumble which Tim Settle recovered on the Miami 28. Stroud put the Texans on top when he scrambled away from pressure and found Collins in the end zone for his first TD about seven minutes before halftime.

Miami cut the lead to 10-6 on a 36-yard field goal with about two minutes left in the second quarter.

Stroud wasn’t ready for a snap on Houston’s next drive and it bounced off his chest for a fumble which the Dolphins recovered.

But they came away empty when Tagovailoa was intercepted by Bullock four plays later. Bullock returned it 68 yards to the Miami 5 and the Texans added a field goal at the end of the half to extend the lead to 13-6.

Injuries

Miami WR Jaylen Waddle sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. …Houston TE Cade Stover missed the game after having an emergency appendectomy Saturday night. … DT Foley Fatukasi injured an ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return.

Up next

Dolphins: host San Francisco next Sunday.

Texans: visit Kansas City on Saturday.

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