Houston Astros: A depth problem that must be solved for 2018

Predicting the Pitching Staff

Verlander should be the opening day starter for the club. Followed by Keuchel, Cole, McCullers and the last spot will be filled by Morton.

After his showing last year, especially in the post season, Morton should be able to lock down the five spot pretty easily. McHugh will give him a run for his money by being fully healthy, but ultimately Morton will win the job. McHugh might allow the team to run with a six-man rotation from time to time. More than likely, he will be a tried-and-true long arm out of the pen. However, if trade rumors are true, McHugh may not be in an Houston Astros uniform this year. Peacock will seamlessly slide back into his ultra utility role out of the bullpen. His ability to come into a game early and take over after a starter or come in at the end of the game and close it out is nearly unparalleled. Chris Devenski will fill a similar role to Peacock.

The rest of pitching staff is pretty solid and rounded out. There is one other spot that is up for grabs: the left-handed arm out of the bullpen. Tony Sipp has been this guy for the past three years but he could be on his way out this year. Upper management has stated before that they don’t think the team necessarily has to have a guy that is left handed. Devo is a right-hander who has typically pitched well against lefties. Expect the club to go with the best relievers available and not fit the previous norms for a bullpen.