Pitchers and catchers report for spring training in a little over two weeks. As spring games start later in February, fans begin to track the competition for various roles on the team. Let’s talk about the starting pitcher rotation and, more specifically, the No. 5 role.
Verlander, Valdez, and Javier are the 1 thru 3 pitchers. A previous article (“Looking Forward to Hunter Brown in 2024”) pointed out the importance of Hunter Brown establishing himself as the No. 4 starter. That leaves the No. 5 rotation spot in the rotation.
J.P. France and Jose Urquidy probably are the top candidates for the fifth slot in the rotation.