Astros may give Brad Peacock another start on Sunday

Brad Peacock may get another chance to start this weekend for the Astros.

On last night’s Root Sports Houston Astros broadcast, Julia Morales mentioned that Brad Peacock might get another start Sunday. She mentioned that it all depends on whether Dallas Keuchel returns to the mound on Saturday. It would appear that Mike Fiers will get the ball today in the finale of the Tigers series. That would lead to Joe Musgrove getting the start on Friday night versus the powerful Orioles.

Keuchel did do some throwing before the game yesterday and seemed to be feeling better. With the high-powered offense coming to town in the Orioles, you need the best pitchers on the mound. While Lance McCullers could pitch on Sunday, the Astros could use the opportunity to give him an extra day rest.

Rest will do you good.

This is what Morales suggested last night, to give all the pitchers an extra day of rest. If Keuchel didn’t make the start, Peacock would be ready to pitch Saturday. Following his start on Monday where he threw 70 pitches in 4 1/3 innings. He held them scoreless while striking out eight batters.

Jeff Luhnow has already said that they will try to be proactive in resting players this year. It is a long season with 162 games. You want players to be strong and healthy. Keuchel will probably bounce back strong from his pinched nerve in his neck. An injury like this makes you realize that these guys are human, prone to injuries while sleeping wrong.

Could he replace someone in the rotation?

There could be another reason why Peacock will get another start. He could be another option should Musgrove or Fiers continue to struggle. While it has become common practice to pick on Fiers, Musgrove has struggled recently. The next two games could be a tryout for who stays in the rotation.

Fiers has a 1-2 record with a 5.14 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 42 innings. Last game, Fiers pitched six innings allowing only two runs while striking out three hitters. He has shown some stay-ability after giving up early runs this year. Fiers has already allowed 17 homers this year. He’s allowing a career-high 3.6 homers per nine innings. His control is a little off as well with 3.4 walks per nine innings.

Musgrove has a bright future. He has a 4-3 record with 37 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings. His ERA is inflated to 5.63 after the Indians clobbered him for seven runs in three innings. His control that got him to the big leagues has waivered in May, walking three hitters in three of four games. Musgrove needs to get back to who he is and throw smarter in the strike zone.

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The next two days could determine the rotation going forward. While the Astros will probably trade for a starter at the trade deadline, we need the best guys for the job now. Peacock will struggle at times, but I wouldn’t blame the Astros for giving him another start.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***