Peacock to replace Harrell in Astros rotation

When Lucas Harrell was designated for assignment after Tuesday night’s game, a spot in the Astros rotation opened up. Brad Peacock has been selected by Bo Porter to fill that spot Sunday in Oakland. How long Peacock can hold down the rotation spot remains to be seen.

Peacock is off to a slow start this season. The 26-year old righty entered Wednesday’s game having allowed ten hits and eight walks in only nine innings of work. Wednesday’s outing would prove to be another rough one for Brad. He would be charged with two runs in only 2/3 of an inning. An infield hit and a broken bat single contributed to Peacock’s demise, as did some less than stellar work by Kevin Chapman and Matt Albers behind him. Those two runs in the seventh inning tied the score and ruined an excellent six inning performance by starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. The Royals would eventually win in 11 innings as the Astros offense failed to score the rest of the night.

(Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

Peacock got off to a slow start last season as well. After being demoted to AAA where he developed a slider, Brad came back to the majors and finished the season strong. Peacock was one of the Astros best pitchers down the stretch, posting six quality starts in his final nine trips to the mound.

Hopefully this season’s early struggles are related to Peacock’s role with the team. Getting back in the rotation should be a positive for his mental game. At least that’s what we are hoping for. After the way he finished 2013, I expected big things from Peacock this year. Now he’s going to get his chance to prove he belongs in the rotation.

On another note concerning the rotation, Scott Feldman has been activated from the bereavement list and will be starting Thursday night’s series finale against the Royals. The Astros will need another good outing from Feldman if they are to avoid a sweep in the abbreviated 3-game homestand.