On Tuesday, I wrote about how I felt increasingly, and cautiously, more confident about the Astros’ starting rotation in light of the returns of Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, and Luis Garcia. In fact, I was already hyping myself up for an eventual relief role for Arrighetti come October, who would seem to thrive in such a role for a bullpen that desperately needs arms. Everything was finally lining up for a roster heavily impacted by injuries this season…
Dang it.
I had more colorful language in my head when the news about Arrighetti’s inflamed right elbow popped up on my timeline, but this is a family-friendly blog. Family and friends of mine read my posts, so I have to keep the expletives in check. But for a club that has had so many impactful injuries, it is challenging not to let one or two choice words pop into mind.
In any case, my confidence in this pitching staff took another hit. There isn’t any word, at least yet, on how long Arrighetti will be out or the severity of his elbow injury. Considering how late in the season it is, though, I wouldn’t expect him back before the end of the month, at the earliest. Thankfully, the Astros still have options for the rotation with Javier and Garcia both back in action. You still have Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. Jason Alexander, much to my surprise, has been a viable starter in Houston. If they need a sixth starter, though, I’d rather give AJ Blubaugh a look than Lance McCullers Jr., but either one could start. There isn’t much additional depth, however.
The bullpen remains a primary concern. Yes, Bryan Abreu, even with the occasional hiccup, has a 2.29 ERA and 2.36 FIP in 63 innings. In other words, he has been terrific for most of the season. You could squint and possibly see the possibility of Josh Hader returning in October, yet I would only write that possibility in pencil at this point. The same thought applies to Bennett Sousa. Otherwise, it feels like Joe Espada will need to piece together a bullpen for the rest of the way. Steven Okert and Bryan King will assuredly see some leverage work. Kaleb Ort has a 1.93 ERA and 3.64 FIP along with a 29.5% strikeout rate in his last 14 innings, but his walk rate (16.4%) remains elevated. Craig Kimbrel isn’t a name to completely write off. Enyel De Los Santos has perhaps pitched himself into more opportunities, with a 2.75 FIP in 10 1/3 innings. He has noticeably limited the number of walks, issuing only one free pass compared to ten strikeouts. If there is one thing I’ve learned not to question about Dana Brown and the pitching development staff, it is their choices of acquiring little-known relievers as free agent signings or waiver claims. But does anyone inspire a ton of confidence other than Abreu?
Even with a four-game lead over the Mariners at the moment for the AL West lead, Houston can’t necessarily afford inopportune bullpen meltdowns. With that said, I wonder how much runway they will give to Blubaugh in relief, especially if they choose McCullers as the occasional sixth starter. The recently promoted Jayden Murray is another name to watch, although I wouldn’t expect too much initially. There isn’t much depth left, unfortunately, so the Astros will need some good fortune with injuries for seemingly the first time this season to avoid any further issues.
