When you look at the big number, team ERA, the Astros pitching is a disappointing, but still respectable 16th in MLB at 4.39.
Not bad when you consider the list of names from last year’s roster lost to free agency or injury: Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Will Harris, Joe Smith, Brad Peacock, Hector Rondon, Chris Devenski, Roberto Osuna, just to name a few. That’s the heart, soul, brains and guts of the staff.
But as anyone who has been watching Astros games knows, as a gauge for the future, this ERA number is misleading.
It includes positive contributions by Justin Verlander and Roberto Osuna, both gone indefinitely.