Houston Astros: Predicting the stacked playoff pitching rotation
By T.A. Mock
The short relievers: Roberto Osuna, Hector Rondon, Ryan Pressly, and Tony Sipp, Joe Smith**
I talked on the previous slide about the Houston Astros potentially carrying Valdez or James as a 12th pitcher but, in all actuality, if they carry a 12th pitcher it will probably be one of the three guys I am leaving off here. Those three guys being Will Harris, Chris Devenski, and Joe Smith. If they do carry 12, Smith will make the roster. Smith could also make the roster if McCullers is left off.
Harris and Devo have been great relievers for the Astros for quite a few years now. Leaving them off of the playoff roster stings a little bit because of that. Harris has been less effective than other guys this year and after starting off hot, Devo has tailed off, especially after coming off of the DL.
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Regardless, these four, or five guys, create quite the power bullpen. Osuna, Rondon, and Pressly have a very good claim to the best trio closing out games. Osuna has caught fire recently and has been the top option for saves. Rondon has been excellent all year long. Pressly was an underrated addition and has a killer fastball-curveball combo.
Sipp has also had a very good, bounce-back year after two years as a bullpen scapegoat. He is in a contract year and pitching well, the last time he pitched well was in a contract year so, the Astros may just want to keep him on one year deals. But, he is a great bet to clean up a lefty or an inning. He has only allowed 4 inherited runners to score out of 35+.
The Astros bullpen is in good shape with these four or five guys lining up to finish out games. This bullpen is a strength for the Astros and will continue to be so all the way to the World Series.
Next. Three bold postseason roster predictions. dark
The Houston Astros have a plethora of arms at their disposal. Figuring out which guys will make the roster will be hard but is a challenge management will happily take on. The Astros are in great shape with this pitching depth. So, here’s to the postseason!