Houston Astros: Assessing the Roster for the ALDS
1. The Pitching Staff
As previously stated, Verlander, Cole, and Keuchel are your Houston Astros ALDS starters. Additionally, Charlie Morton will be starter number 4, should the need for more than 3 games arise. Frankly, it’s more likely than not that CFM will need to take the mound, though most of us are hoping that won’t be the case.
Regardless, there will be plenty of bullpen help. The two big trade deadline acquisitions in Roberto Osuna and Ryan Pressly assuredly made the cut. So did Josh James, the promising young minor league call-up, who has been nearly lights out all of September.
Must Read. Analyzing the starting pitching matchups for the ALDS. light
Rounding out the pen for the ALDS are Will Harris, Tony Sipp, Collin McHugh, and Lance McCullers. The latter two will be crucial, in the event that long relief is needed to spot any of the four starters. Meanwhile, Sipp and Harris have proven themselves throughout 2018, with Sipp being a key lefty in relief.
If I were Cleveland hitters, I’d be quivering in fear of this core right about now! This is an extremely stout pitching staff that could lead the way in the postseason just the way they did in the regular season.