The Houston Astros are finding 2024 to be more difficult than they initially thought.
Of course, injuries have had a lot to do with their less-than-ideal 28-35 record.
Starting pitching has been a problem area since the start of the season.
Accomplished stars Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker are currently banged up, but the rotation has suffered all kinds of injuries and the situation doesn’t seem to be getting better.
At the moment, four pitchers who would be on the team’s staff are out: Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Cristian Javier.
The team is desperate to find serviceable arms, and there might be one becoming available as we speak.
MLB Trade Rumors reported on Friday that the Chicago White Sox are designating Jake Woodford for assignment.
Astros insider Chandler Rome notes that Houston could take a look at him.
“High school teammates with Kyle Tucker. Stretched out to 80-90 pitches. Astros have seen him a ton in spring training and are in need of anyone with a healthy arm,” he tweeted.
High school teammates with Kyle Tucker. Stretched out to 80-90 pitches. Astros have seen him a ton in spring training and are in need of anyone with a healthy arm. https://t.co/s0DZTtSca1
It makes sense from just about every point of view.
He wouldn’t be expensive, he has ties to one of the team’s stars, he is stretched out, and has been scouted by the team.
Of course, Woodford hasn’t been good this year (10.80 ERA) but has only thrown 8.1 frames in the majors.
Over his MLB career, he has a much more decent 4.57 ERA in 193 innings.
The 27-year-old Woodford wouldn’t be expected to be an ace: just give the Astros five decent innings per outing and let the offense do the rest.
It’s all speculation at this point, as the Astros are yet to show serious interest since he was designated for assignment.
It’s a move that would make sense for Houston, though.