LMJ threw a lot of nasty stuff that got called balls. Problem is that it is tough for LMJ and the catcher to tell which ones were balls and strikes as well. Prior to the Tommy John, I thought LMJ would be one of the pitchers to benefit the most by switching to an ABS system. Not sure how it will work with the challenge system, assuming he has his hook, though. I hate that MLB has made challenging balls and strikes a skill instead of just defaulting to the ABS with ump overriding and obvious computer mistakes.
Why? This is perfect for the Astros. It lets them play all their guys every day without running Yordan in the outfield everyday, which they want to avoid. Then when Pena is healthy (presumably in the next week), they can rotate around and give the other guys a day off. People spent the entirety of the offseason complaining about having too many players and this helps them navigate that exactly how they want to and shrinks the amount of games they have to make tough decisions. This is one of the major benefits of having the excess infielder - they don't have to push players unnecessarily. An extra guy who's just going to sit on the bench is less valuable than Pena playing half the games.
Bullpen availability today is basically Bolton, Weiss, and Teng. Good thing is each of those guys should be able to give multiple innings. Very very likely Bolton is only up for one game. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re keeping Weiss and Teng lined up to always be fresh on days Lance pitches. Not only to provide bulk behind him but also to provid ready options if Lance is toast forever.
I'm sure the umpires fought hard to keep a semblance of their skillset (and perceived 'need') valid... although the challenge system has introduced an unintended "comedy" of sorts when umps are having a particularly bad game. From that standpoint (the embarrassment factor), maybe the umps will back off their mandates and accept that this is better than them. There was also some sort of study done that 'older' umps were having 70% of their calls changed vs. younger umps having only 20-30%. Still a small sample size, but will be very interesting to see if that trend holds throughout the season. Even more metrics on umps. Hell, maybe fan duel will even allow you to bet o/u on number of challenges per game based on certain umps.
Weren't we just lambasting this training staff for bringing some guys back too quickly (or just not having a general plan what-so-ever for return to play protocols)? Granted, we still don't know how severe the initial injury was, nor does resting every other day make a lot of sense in any sort of finger fracture type injury, but at least there seems to be more of an awareness/plan now?
I would've taken a chance on Arrighetti over Lance for the 5th starter spot...I hope Lance proves me wrong.
I think they wanted to give Lance his last shot if he struggles in April he’s probably out of the rotation I could see them reevaluating after 5 starts or so
Jake Meyers should never hit 7th in a lineup. Unless 2026 Yainer Diaz is also starting, and they want Matthews to be a secondary leadoff hitter before Altuve. Oh, and its vs a lefty pitcher. Not ideal, but if Pena isn't available, its the best option. Expect Loperfido to PH for either Jake of Matthews as soon as a RH comes in.
I think 5 starts is too many if he craps the bed the first couple of games. I’ve always loved Lance’s heart, but the Astros and the fans owe him nothing. He has been paid generational wealth for not playing baseball for years. If this team has playoff aspirations they shouldn’t sh*t away games regardless of what time of year it is.
That’s fair and if he really ***** the bed in his first 2 starts, I think they will probably yank him.
