As the Houston Astros inch closer to Opening Day, it’s time to confront an increasingly uncomfortable reality: this roster already has some notable “have-nots,” particularly in the bullpen.
The team entered camp knowing it would be without closer Josh Hader to begin the season as he continues to recover from a bicep issue. That alone was a significant hurdle. But now, the situation has become more complicated with the announcement that Bennett Sousa will also start the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury.
Advertisement
For manager Joe Espada, this creates an immediate challenge. The late-inning blueprint has been disrupted before the first pitch of the regular season is even thrown.
A Bullpen Suddenly in Flux
Souza was expected to play a key role in the seventh or eighth inning, helping bridge the gap to Bryan Abreu. Had he been healthy, alongside left-handers Brian King and Steven Okert, the Astros would have boasted a rare strength: a surplus of reliable left-handed options in the bullpen.
Instead, what once looked like a strength now feels uncertain.
The question becomes clear: how do the Astros construct a bullpen capable of holding leads and keeping games within reach while they wait for key arms to return?
Advertisement
Internal Options Begin to Emerge
One name that stands out is Enyel De Los Santos. The Astros saw enough from him last season to trust him in higher-leverage situations. Armed with an above-average fastball, he has proven capable of getting outs when it matters most.
Although slowed this spring by a knee injury, De Los Santos remains a strong candidate to make the roster, especially given his contract situation and lack of minor league options.
Another intriguing piece is A.J. Blubaugh. If the Astros stick with a six-man rotation, he is likely headed to Triple-A Sugar Land to stay stretched out as a starter. Still, his versatility makes him a potential long-relief option. Wherever he’s used, he has shown the ability to get outs at the major league level, I just don’t think it will be on Opening Day.
Advertisement
Then there’s Roddery Munoz, who may have an inside track to make the team. As a Rule 5 selection, the Astros risk losing him if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster. After a slow start this spring where he had me wondering if he would even make it through camp, he has settled in nicely. He has consistantly been showing improved command and the ability to limit walks, which could be another factor in what ultimately tips the scales in his favor. The theme that you will notice throughout this column is simple, experience matters.
Starters Transitioning to Relief Roles
What’s particularly interesting is that many of the Astros’ current bullpen options are starters by trade. The organization appears to be leaning on flexibility, asking several arms to adapt to relief roles while remaining stretched out for potential spot starts. Houston has been known for starting pitching depth in the last few years and this year is no exception. The names may not be as recognizable, but the ability still seems to be there.
Two names that fit this mold are Kai-Wei Teng and Peter Lambert. Both bring major league experience and offer the kind of plug-and-play reliability teams value over a long season. Both guys would prefer to start if given the choice, but the chance to secure a spot on the roster has put them in the pen to earn a role with their flexibility.
Advertisement
Lambert, in particular, has turned heads this spring. Initially overlooked, he has pitched his way into serious consideration for a bullpen spot. Adding urgency to the decision is his ability to opt out of his contract if not added to the roster, making him a compelling case to secure a spot on the 40-man and putting additional pressure on the organization.
The Bigger Picture
General manager Dana Brown has no shortage of starting pitching depth, but that may not solve the immediate issue. The real challenge lies in determining which of those arms can successfully transition into relief roles and do so quickly enough to stabilize the bullpen.
At this point, filling out the bullpen isn’t just another roster decision, it’s arguably the most pressing issue facing the Astros heading into the season.
Advertisement
And there’s another possibility looming.
As other teams begin to finalize their rosters and make cuts, the Astros could look outside the organization for help. Adding a veteran arm not currently in camp may ultimately be the move that solidifies this group, at least until reinforcements return.
Final Thought
The Astros still have options, but they also have questions and lots of them. How they answer those questions over the next several days could go a long way in determining how steady (or shaky) this team looks out of the gate.
One thing is certain: the margin for error is already thinner than expected.