The Houston Astros pitching has been slightly more suspect than it was expected to be. Here’s why a Dallas Keuchel reunion could still be on the table.
TheHouston Astroshave had an up and down season to begin the 2019 campaign. They dropped the first two series of the season the Rays and the Rangers then they went on a 10 game winning streak.
After that, theAstroswent back into another valley and gave up 29 runs in three straight losses. Still, the season has been mostly good and their record sits at 15-10 heading into tonight’s game against the Indians.
The offense has had its slow points but, overall, it has been very, very good.Jose Altuveis on pace to completely blow his previous career high in homers out of the water.George Springeris doing a phenomenal job at the top of the lineup, blasting homers left and right.
Alex Bregmanhas continued his strong hitting ways. A healthyCarlos Correais once again extremely dangerous at the plate.Michael Brantleyhas proved to be a terrific addition. Lastly,Josh Reddickhas been tearing the cover off of the baseball.
It has been absolutely wonderful to see offense lead the way to start the season, just the way it did in the 2017 season that saw theHouston Astroswin a championship for the first time in franchise history.
2018 saw the team be led by a historic pitching season by an incredible starting rotation.Justin VerlanderandGerrit Colewere bonafide aces.Lance McCullers,Charlie Morton, andDallas Keuchelwere all, also, very good.
Unfortunately, theHouston Astroshad to head into the 2019 without those last three. Morton moved on to Tampa, McCullers to the injured list after surgery, and Keuchel remains unsigned.
They were replaced byCollin McHughandBrad Peacockreturning to the rotation from the bullpen andWade Mileysigning a one year deal this offseason.
So far, the pitching staff has not been living up to the lofty expectations that last year’s rotation set. Verlander struggles in his first couple of starts before figuring it out, like we knew he would, the last few. Cole has struggled as well and seems like he’s getting ready to turn a corner back to dominance.
McHugh had been the best arm in the rotation to start the year for theHouston Astrosbefore getting smacked around for 10 runs in his last start. Miley has been pretty decent besides an inning or two here and there. Peacock has bounced back and forth between the rotation the bullpen and has had some ups and downs.
As you can see, there have been plenty of ups and downs through these first 25 games and it has been the same across the league yet Keuchel remains unsigned. With some of their struggles, a Keuchel reunion could still be on the table for theHouston Astros.
The final bullpen spot has been shaky withFramber ValdezandReymin Guduanrotating through.Josh Jameshas also struggled to start the season. This could be rectified by shifting Peacock back to the bullpen, where he is honestly a better fit.
If Peacock takes over a spot in the bullpen that would open up a spot in the rotation. This could be forForrest Whitleybut theAstroswill likely want him to marinate in Round Rock a little longer. So, bringing back Keuchel would be an obvious fit.
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The biggest hangup in this reunion is the contract. He wants more than the qualifying offer, $17.9 million, on a one year deal or a multi-year offer at slightly less money.
If the two sides can get the terms worked out, a deal needs to be made. The rotation needs bolstering to insure the offensive production isn’t wasted.
The guys in the rotation may get their struggles figured out but with two spots in the bullpen also struggling, moving Peacock back to the bullpen and bringing Keuchel back could solve all of these issues for theHouston Astros.
Would you want theHouston Astrosto bring back Keuchel or is this just an over reaction? Let us know in the comments.
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