Houston Astros consider using more openers to address starting rotation issues

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada plans to increase the use of starting pitchers in an opener-bulk role for the remainder of the season. The team is struggling to extract length from several rotation spots, prompting the change during a congested 13-game stretch without a day off. Sunday marked the sixth game of this period, and the club remains uncertain regarding a starter for Tuesday’s matchup against the White Sox. While Hunter Brown, Peter Lambert, and Hayden Wesneski continue to provide consistent innings, others have struggled, leading to limited depth. Espada noted that pitchers like Cristian Javier, who has posted a 6.45 ERA, are candidates for the opener-bulk strategy to help bridge gaps for the bullpen. The goal is to maximize the team's chances of maintaining its division lead as the rotation faces ongoing inconsistency.

• 8:20 PMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros may turn to occasional openers as rotation questions mount down the stretch