Game Four Thread. March 31, 2024, 7:10 CT. Giants @ Astros

If there is any pattern emerging in this very early part of this Astros season, it is that success will depend upon pitching. The Astros held the potent Mets offense to five runs in three games, but only scored six runs themselves against a not-too-stellar rotation.

If Astros success really is dependent on pitching then the Astros rotation needs to be more than three deep. That’s where tonight’s starter, Ronel Blanco comes in. Last year, he was among the league leaders in ERA, but peripheral stats were less generous. If he can hold regression to a minimum, the rotation will probably be at least four deep in quality starters.

Blanco’s Spring performance was not encouraging. He gave up nearly a…