One of the biggest challenges a manager will face in the postseason is handling his pitching staff. You want to get the most out of your hurlers, but at the same time don’t want to overwork them. For the Astros and AJ Hinch, it helps when Justin Verlander takes the ball to start things out in the ALDS.
Verlander’s seven sterling innings in Game One gave Hinch the luxury of not having to burn through the bullpen. He only used three relievers, and none for more than one inning of work. He should essentially have a full slate of available pitchers for Saturday’s game.