The Astros have decisions to make when McHugh and Altuve are healthy

With the return of Jose Altuve and Collin McHugh looming, the Astros will have decisions to make. Who will stay on the roster and who will be sent packing?

First, let’s deal with the return of Collin McHugh. Not that Brady Rodgers pitched badly in his only outing with the Astros, but he is just the easiest choice to send back to Round Rock.

There could be a small chance that they could keep Rodgers if they send Corbin Martin, who has struggled in his last two outings, back to AAA. This move, of course, means McHugh or possibly Josh James or Framber Valdez, would move to the rotation.

Now, let’s take a look at the Astros options whenever Altuve returns. This decision will be based on a couple of different factors.

If Martin is not able to turn things around, then I see him as the person who will be sent packing. If he does turn things around and stays in the rotation, then the decision for Houston gets harder.

If the Astros decide to stay with using 12 pitchers, they will be forced to send down a relief pitcher. This could possibly be Valdez, James, or Chris Devenski.

I do not believe that the Astros can afford to lose one of the pitchers that I listed above and could go another route, the bench. The one clear choice for me, Tyler White.

In my opinion, with Jake Marisnick and Aledmys Diaz both playing very well and the flexibility and speed of Tony Kemp, Houston does not need White to be successful. They should go with 13 pitchers.

Most likely, it will end up being Corbin Martin and Brady Rodgers who are sent packing. Barring injury, the Houston Astros will have another decision when Yordan Alvarez is called up.