Astros playoff bullpen looks unclear as postseason nears

HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 03: Joe Biagini #29 of the Houston Astros pitches in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on August 03, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Who They Can’t Rely On

Joe Biagini may not even make the playoff roster after his recent meltdown in which he allowed six runs without recording an out on Tuesday. He now has a 7.90 ERA with the Astros since the trade deadline deal with Toronto.

Chris Devenski is simply not the pitcher he used to be. He has a 6.20 ERA in the season’s second half, including a putrid 9.00 ERA in August. Whether he makes the playoff roster will depend on how he does down the stretch, but even then, he would only be used in mop-up roles.

The same can be said for Josh James, who’s given up five runs in four innings this month after spending all of August on the IL. He could end up on the playoff roster simply due to his electric stuff, but his lack of control will keep him out of the most meaningful situations.

While he was a great weapon in 2018, it’s possible Collin McHugh has thrown his last pitch as an Astro. The impending free agent has been on the IL since Aug. 31 with elbow discomfort and hasn’t resumed throwing as of Tuesday. Even if he is able to return in time for October, his 4.70 season ERA means he might not make the playoff roster anyway.

Who They Can’t Rely On

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