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The Astros 2017 Starting Rotation Preview

By Cody Poage

Mar 17, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; A view of the Houston Astros logo on a Majestic Athletic jersey at JetBlue Park. The Astros won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; A view of the Houston Astros logo on a Majestic Athletic jersey at JetBlue Park. The Astros won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Starter #5: Mike Fiers

The last spot on the starting rotation goes to Mike Fiers, the veteran pitcher who had an up-and-down 2016 season.

In light of McHugh’s injury, Fiers was automatically thruster back into the starting rotation despite being the presumed favorite to be the long relief pitcher. A la Scott Feldman from last year.

Those plans may have been temporarily derailed, however, Fiers’ still holds value as a starting pitcher. Let’s not forget that he has a combined 60 starts in the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers and Astros. Sure, he may post another season like 2016 (4.48 ERA/4.43 FIP), or he could revert back into 2015 (3.69 ERA/4.03 FIP). I am sure that the Astros would prefer a return closer to his 2015 metrics. As a fifth starter in the rotation though, the leash may be a bit longer than last year.

Of course, his time as a starting pitcher this year is contingent on two factors: Musgrove’s results and McHugh’s health. And only time will tell how this storyline unfolds.

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