However, pitching for the Astros may be an even more pressing problem. Rookies hurled a third of the innings during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Staff ace Justin Verlander, with a lot of years already on his arm, is coming off Tommy John surgery. Verlander isn't on the preseason depth chart as part of the five-man rotation. Zack Greinke will assume his number-one role, followed by Framber Valdez. How well the Astros lineup can improve a batting average that fell below the league average will be an important development to watch. However, Houston's pitching will need to be strong to avoid an imbalance that could challenge the Astros' 11th best run-differential from last season. If there is any regression, Houston could experience a downturn in success.
