Projecting the Astros ALDS roster

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros celebrates with the fans after defeating the Seattle Mariners 7-1 to win the American League West crown at Minute Maid Park on September 17, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros celebrates with the fans after defeating the Seattle Mariners 7-1 to win the American League West crown at Minute Maid Park on September 17, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 4: Relief pitcher Ken Giles #53 of the Houston Astros shakes hands with catcher Brian McCann #16 of the Houston Astros after a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 4, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Astros won the game 6-2.(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 4: Relief pitcher Ken Giles #53 of the Houston Astros shakes hands with catcher Brian McCann #16 of the Houston Astros after a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 4, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Astros won the game 6-2.(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Bullpen

RHP Ken Giles
RHP Joe Musgrove
RHP Chris Devenski
RHP Will Harris
RHP Lance McCullers
RHP Collin McHugh
RHP Luke Gregerson
LHP Francisco Liriano

It has been obvious that Ken Giles, Chris Devenski and Will Harris would be on any postseason roster as long as optimal playing health prevailed. McCullers and McHugh are obvious choices in case they need a relief pitcher to throw multiple innings or as a fill-in starter.

The others are little less obvious. For example, Luke Gregerson hasn’t been the same pitcher since he was “America’s Closer” in the World Baseball Classic. The wonders of a 4.50 ERA in 60 innings. But his experience still brings value for the table.

Joe Musgrove started the season as a starting pitcher and struggled. Quite a bit I might add. But since his transition to the bullpen – 1.44 ERA in 31.1 relief innings – the right-handed pitcher has been a valuable asset to the Astros’ bullpen. In fact, he has been used in late-inning situations along with Devenski and Giles. Look for more of the same in postseason.

The last two spots in the bullpen will likely go to either Francisco Liriano and Tony Sipp. While both have struggled earlier in the season, September has been kind to them.

Tony Sipp: 1.80 ERA in 5.0 innings
Francisco Liriano: 1.59 ERA in 5.2 innings

Obviously both pitchers are of the kind left-handed variety. The postseason is known for its matchups.