Astros Projected Starting Rotation for MLB Playoffs
By Parker White
The Houston Astros are arguably the best team in baseball, with stars up and down the roster. Of course, their starting rotation is something to behold and could wind up being one of the best we've ever seen in October.
With the postseason already here, check out our projection of what the Astros' rotation will look like when the action gets started.
4. Game 4: LHP Wade Miley
Wade Miley had a horrific month of September, but on the whole, he's been sneaky impressive. Before the All-Star break he owned a 3.28 ERA over 18 starts, and in 33 total starts he went 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA. Miley also made four postseason starts last year for the Brewers, posting a 1.23 ERA over 14.2 innings. Not too shabby for someone who'll be Houston's Game 4 starter.
3. Game 3: Zack Greinke
Yeah, Houston's unequivocal Game 3 starter is a former Cy Young Award winner. Zack Greinke was the big addition at the trade deadline, making an already loaded Astros team even stronger. Since coming to Houston, Greinke has made 10 starts and is 8-1 with a 3.02 ERA. We know his postseason numbers aren't breathtaking (4.03 ERA over 11 starts), but you have to feel good every time you give him the ball, especially in Game 3 of a series.
2. Game 2: RHP Gerrit Cole
Gerrit Cole may be one of the favorites to win the Cy Young Award, but it just so happens the frontrunner is his teammate, so he'll likely get the ball in Game 2. Cole has been excellent this year, posting a 20-5 record with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts over 212.1 innings, and since this isn't his first go-around in the playoffs, we'd expect him to be a tough matchup for any team he faces.
1. Game 1: RHP Justin Verlander
Even at age 36, Justin Verlander is at the top of his game and posted a 21-6 record with a 2.58 ERA and had 300 strikeouts over 223 innings. Verlander also has an impressive postseason resume, making 25 starts and posting a 13-7 record with a 3.19 ERA. Houston wouldn't have won the World Series in 2017 without him, and since he's the same elite pitcher, there's no reason to not give him the ball in Game 1.