Ronel Blanco, Brandon Bielak Could Be Rotation Options
10 months agoIf Houston Astros right-handers Justin Verlander (shoulder) and J.P. France (shoulder) aren't ready for the start of the 2024 regular season, it's possible that right-handers Ronel Blanco and Brandon Bielak could be starting rotation options to begin the year. It's worth noting that Bielak is out of minor-league options. Blanco, 30, has appeared in 24 games (seven starts) for Houston the last two years and has gone 2-1 with a 4.78 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with 32 walks and 59 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings. Bielak, 27, probably the more likely option of the two, had 15 outings (13 starts) last year in Houston and had a 3.83 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 36 walks and a career-high 62 K's in 80 innings. He filled in admirably for the team's injury-ravaged rotation in 2023 until struggling later in the year and being demoted to the minors.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome