Houston Astros: The banged-up starting pitching rotation is progressing

The Houston Astros luckily had some good news to share in regard to the progress of the injuries that have been sustained by three of the five guys that are slated to start every week.

Yes, we’re about a month away from the All-Star break and it definitely looks like the Houston Astros have everybody back by then if things progress as they should. I’d like to say that the bullpen as well as our prospects have done a tremendous job in holding things together while they’re out but it’s certainly time to get our guys in.

Joe Musgrove returned from his shoulder injury earlier this week and pitched a respectably against the Texas Rangers. He tossed two strikeouts, allowed two earned runs, five hits through 4.2 innings pitched. A.J. Hinch didn’t let him go too long but at least it was good to see him out there. But here’s the latest on the rest of the pitching staff.

According to Mark Berman of FOX26 (KRIV), the Houston Astros Lance McCullers Jr. could see a start this week if everything goes well:

AJ Hinch says Lance McCullers Jr will go on the road trip with the #Astros and there's a chance he could start next week
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) June 17, 2017

As of yesterday, McCullers had started to throw once again so it’ll great to have our second ace hopefully back in the fold. But I’m positive that they’ll take their time with him as they want him to fully healthy before he’s ready to step back onto the bump.

More from House of Houston

Dallas Keuchel is also expected to join the team on the road trip that includes a four-game set in Oakland and a weekend series — a three-game set — in Seattle. There were no specifics on when he’d return, just the fact that the situation with his neck will be handled as delicately as possible.

Charlie Morton had already begun a throwing program and he’s expected to head to Triple-A Fresno for multiple rehab starts to ensure his lat can handle the load. It’s unclear on when he’ll be back but it seems as if he’s getting closer than ever to a return.

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And there you have it — the good news keeps pouring as the Houston Astros are enjoying an 11-game divisional lead and a slight three-game lead in the majors. What happens now is anybody’s guess but with all of the prospects called up as to what I refer to as a glorified showcase, we still need to make a deal for quality starter. That way, he’ll be in place well before we hit the home stretch to close out the season.

Go Astros.

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