Astros rotation evaluation: Verlander’s gem leads the way

Luis Garcia – Pitches/Start: 71 | Strike %: 57.7 | Pitches per out: 5.9 | Game Score: 57

Garcia wasn’t terrible in his first start of the season, but given the opponent, he wasn’t very efficient either, taking 71 pitches to get through four innings and throwing just under 58% strikes.

Spring training was shorter than usual, so I’m not expecting six or more innings out of any starter not named Verlander right away, but this is not a one year issue with Garcia. Four innings in April after a short spring training isn’t the worst thing in the world.

But if this continues, as it did last year, it can lead to bullpen overuse and fatigue and in combination with Odorizzi’s struggles is not a great sign. It’s only one start, so we shouldn’t over react, but rather something to keep an eye on over Garcia’s next few outings.