Report Card Series: Grading the Houston Astros' 2022 Rotation

5) José Urquidy

The last member of the full-season rotation, Urquidy went 13-8 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

Like Garcia, Urquidy was up-and-down throughout the season. In his 13 wins, Urquidy recorded a 2.94 ERA and a 0.992 WHIP. In his eight losses, Urquidy looked like a AAA spot starter, posting a 7.52 ERA and a 1.746 WHIP. To be fair, Urquidy was solid against most teams outside of Seattle. In five starts against the Mariners, Urquidy was 1-3 with a 6.31 ERA.

Against all non-Mariner foes Urquidy finished with a 3.50 ERA, a more than respectable number.

His name came up in trade talks, but nothing came to fruition after Dusty Baker and Jim Crane nixed a deal that would have sent Urquidy to Chicago for Willson Contreras. With three remaining years of team control, this was likely a wise move.

Urquidy is a tremendous option as a fifth (or in the Astros' case) sixth starter. He may never win a Cy Young or make an All-Star team, but he's likely a #3 on other teams. A piece like Urquidy is what makes Houston's rotation so deep.

Additionally, he is a nails pitcher in the World Series. Urquidy made his fifth career World Series appearance in Game 3 of the Phillies' win over Houston. Urquidy recorded three scoreless innings, salvaging the bullpen and playing a hugely underrated role in setting up Houston to rip off three consecutive wins.

For his career, Urquidy now holds a 1.23 ERA in his 5 World Series appearances. For a team that gets there as often as Houston, that sure is a nice asset to have.

While nothing spectacular, Jose Urquidy met expectations as the Astros' final arm in the rotation. His 2022 season was solid and look for more of the same in 2023.

Jose Urquidy's 2022 Report Card: B- (82/100)