Houston Astros Rumors: Four rookies that could have a major impact

Josh James, RHP

Josh James already had a pretty tremendous first cup of team with the Houston Astros in 2018. He was one of the men called upon when the Astros rotation was on the verge of shambles when the injuries began to pile up.

James, alongside Valdez, stepped up and helped bridge the gap while injuries healed. He was thoroughly impressive, albeit in a minuscule sample size. He pitched in six games, starting three for 23 innings. He had a 2.35 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP during that time while also striking out 29 batters. This includes an incredible outing against the future champs in Boston.

James also cracked the postseason roster and threw some valuable innings. Though, similarly to the rest of the Astros pitchers, he had difficulties shutting him down. But, that experience is invaluable and helps make him a virtual lock for innings in some fashion in 2019.

James should get a strong chance to crack the rotation out of Spring Training with the way the roster is currently constructed. Of course, there could be guys who get added that push him down the totem pole. However, that seems more and more unlikely by the day.

James fastball-slider combination can be extremely deadly. James may not make the rotation, though I expect he does. Regardless, that combo will play well either as a starter or out of the bullpen. Keep an eye out for James in 2019 and beyond.