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OUR PREDICTION
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McCullers is a lock to be a part of the Astros’ rotation, but it is a question of when.
We predict that he will be on the Opening Day roster. And if he’s not? He all but eliminated the Royals in the ALDS, so expect to see him plenty in 2016.
As for the team’s 5th starter? The Astros don’t always spend on free agents, but when they do, they do it carefully. The $7 million spent on Fister is not just a hopeful project to reinvent a once-stellar pitcher, but it is also an insurance policy on McCullers’ innings, Feldman’s health, and Musgrove’s readiness.
Next: Houston Astros Spring Training Battles: First Base
Keuchel-McHugh-Fiers-McCullers-Fister/Feldman/Musgrove sounds mighty fine.