HOUSTON - Jharel Cotton, scheduled to throw in the finale against the Astros on Thursday, has been pushed back to Saturday instead.
Cotton left his last start against the White Sox after five-plus innings because of a blister. He did long toss on Tuesday and threw a regular bullpen session Wendesday.
Manager Bob Melvin said Daniel Gossett will start Thursday, while Sonny Gray will start the opener against the Braves at the Coliseum on Friday.
Starter Kendall Graveman (shoulder) and reliever Ryan Dull (knee) will throw bullpen sessions this weekend, their first since going on the DL in May.