If there's one need the Houston Astros still haven't solved, it's the need for a reliable starting pitcher behind their dynamic duo of Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. Prior to his latest IL stint, Lance McCullers Jr. had failed to prove he was up to the task and now should have to earn his way back in.
Beyond McCullers Jr.'s failings, the middle and back end of the rotation have been decimated by injuries, with Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski being lost for the year due to Tommy John surgery, and Spencer Arrighetti missing a large chunk of time as well.