Houston Astros: Early Prediction of Playoff Roster

With a flurry of largely unexpected moves at the August deadline, GM Jeff Luhnow swiftly changed the makeup of the Houston Astros roster.

With September comes expanded rosters across the league, so there is not much pressure to choose which players will be in the clubhouse. However, come playoff time, the Astros expanded roster will again need to be trimmed to 25 players.

The Astros have acquired relief pitchers Francisco Liriano and Tyler Clippard, OF Cameron Maybin, and most notably, starting pitcher Justin Verlander. Since the Astros made moves to get these players, they most certainly are locks to be a part of the playoff roster, or are they?

Let’s take a look at an early-September prediction of the Astros’ postseason squad.

BATTERS

The lineup should be relatively easy to construct, and all of these players should be locks.

Catchers (2) – Brian McCann, Evan Gattis

Infielders (4) – Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman

Outfielders (4) – George Springer, Josh Reddick, Jake Marisnick, Cameron Maybin

Utility/DH (2) – Marwin Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran

Having 12 hitters on the 25-man roster is typical, and barring injury, these are a dozen bats A.J. Hinch will have to work with.

PITCHERS

The pitching staff is where there is some debate. First off, the rotation will be cut down to at least a four man rotation, possibly even three. The first three starters should be in order, Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, and Lance McCullers. If the four man rotation is used, Collin McHugh should be the fourth starter.

The bullpen, for the most part, has it’s locked as well. Ken Giles, Chris Devenski, Will Harris, Luke Gregerson, Brad Peacock, and Joe Musgrove have solidified their spot in the bullpen. With these pitchers combined with the offense, three spots remain. Let’s see who the first three in and out are.

FIRST THREE IN….

Charlie Morton

Morton has been a starter all year and has been solid.  If McHugh had faltered at all since his return, Morton might be the fourth starter come playoff time.

However, with Morton’s velocity, and his success against left-handed hitters this year (combined LHB batting average .161), he could be a valuable piece not only has long relief but also as a situational reliever to get a lefty out. Also, the health of Lance McCullers is still in question, so if there are any health flare ups to him or any other starters, Morton could step in.

Tyler Clippard

Clippard was acquired from the White Sox after the trade deadline. Clippard is not only a veteran but one with four years of playoff experience. While he is not in his prime, he can still be a serviceable reliever. Since coming to the Astros, Clippard got off to a good start, with four appearances yielding zero runs.

However, in his most recent four outings, he has given up six earned runs in 3.1 innings, including two long balls. Clippard would not be looked up on to pitch any extended amount of time, but maybe to get one or two batters. He has had an up and down year, so hopefully, he can find his form by October.

Francisco Liriano

Liriano was the only move made before the trade deadline in July and was acquired to be a left on left specialist, as well as having a veteran presence. Thus far, Liriano has not impressed. Since joining Houston, he has pitched nine innings and has accrued a 6.00 ERA and an extremely high 2.33 WHIP.

His BB/9 is 8.00 and simply cannot be relied on during high leverage situations. The veteran southpaw has been a starter for most of his career, so the transition to the bullpen is something new for him. Liriano needs to make an adjustment, and become more reliable if he wants to play in the post season.