Astros notes: Brent Strom returns, Gerrit Cole to make next start

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 12, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 12, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

There is great news for the Astros pitching staff today, pitching coach Brent Strom returns and Gerrit Cole appears to be okay for his next start.

Brent Strom is back at Minute Maid Park with the Astros today and he was a welcome sight to all, especially the pitching staff. On top of that, Gerrit Cole is on track to take his turn in the starting rotation coming up Thursday.

Strom has been absent from the team since his hospitalization and surgery for a gastrointestinal issue. The 2018 MLB Coach of the Year has been missed by all and may be what this pitching staff needs to get back on track. Cole mentioned today that it was good to see him healthy and back with the team and he looks forward to razzing him a little in the dugout tonight.

Speaking of Cole, he threw in the pen today and took some infield practice. He declares that he is good to go Thursday for his next scheduled start. Cole said he felt great and joked that he might have made a couple of errors today taking grounders.

He missed his last two starts when he felt discomfort in his right hamstring while warming up for the second game of the doubleheader back on August 13. Chris Devenski had to quickly get ready to replace him and promptly gave up three runs in the second inning to the White Sox and took the loss.

Rogelio Armenteros filled in for Cole in his spot next time up and got shelled. He gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings of work and got the loss to the Oakland Athletics. So, needless to say, it will be nice to see Cole back on the mound for the Astros Thursday up against the Detroit Tigers.

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