Houston Astros 25-man roster prediction for August 31st

The Bullpen

Aug 11, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Fields (35) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Bullpen

There are really no big surprises here, this is pretty much the meat of the Astros bullpen. As mentioned earlier, the Astros could decide to carry Velasquez in the bullpen with his power arm. I believe this could be the best option for the Astros, but I don’t see them leaving Feldman (contract) and Fiers (trade) off the playoff roster. The bullpen has been a strength for the Astros all season. Because of the way Hinch has handled his bullpen, they should be strong and healthy come playoff time.

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While Fields was sent down yesterday, don’t think that it was due to any poor performances by Fields. He was a victim of being one of the other bullpen pitchers who is eligible to being optioned to the minors. He will be back with the team after the ten-day stay in the minors, before the August 31st deadline. The only change that I can see happeninf is Velasquez could join the bullpen on a regular basis.

Alternative Players: Vincent Velasquez

Next: The Astros Record without George Springer in Lineup