Astros Opening Day roster includes 13 pitchers

The Astros have trimmed the roster to 25 in accordance with today’s 4:00 deadline imposed by MLB. The team finished off their exhibition schedule with a 5-5 tie versus the White Sox at Minute Maid Park. The Astros will get a much deserved day off at home tomorrow before Friday’s opener. The Astros will start the season with a roster that includes 13 pitchers, which is one more than expected.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie is still listed as day-to-day with a thumb injury and could be sent to the disabled list prior to Friday’s game. Brian Bixler is standing by to take Lowrie’s roster spot if the Astros decide to make the move. If Lowrie can’t play, Bixler should get the call- otherwise the Astros would only have eleven healthy position players since the decision was made to go with 13 pitchers. Those eleven position players are: outfielders Brian Bogusevic, Travis Buck, J.D. Martinez, and Jordan Schafer, infielders Jose Altuve, Matt Downs, Marwin Gonzalez, Chris Johnson, and Carlos Lee, and catchers Jason Castro & Chris Snyder.

The starting rotation is as follows: Wandy Rodriguez, Lucas Harrell, Bud Norris, J.A. Happ, and Kyle Weiland. Brad Mills will have eight relief pitchers to choose from and that may not be such a bad idea. Left-handers Fernando Abad and Wesley Wright both made the team. The six right-handers in the bullpen are David Carpenter, Rhiner Cruz, Wilton Lopez, Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers, and Fernando Rodriguez.