The Astros have finalized the 28-man roster they’ll bring to Target Field in today’s Wild Card series opener against the Twins. Here’s how it breaks down:
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Zack Greinke (Game 1 starter)
- Josh James
- Cristian Javier
- Lance McCullers Jr.
- Enoli Paredes
- Ryan Pressly
- Andre Scrubb
- Cy Sneed
- Jose Urquidy
Left-Handed Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
There aren’t many surprises on the roster, but the promotion of outfield prospect Chas McCormick creates the potential that for the first time ever, we could see two teams give a player his MLB debut in the same postseason series. Minnesota has promoted top outfield prospect Alex Kirilloff to their Wild Card roster. Only two players have ever previously made their MLB debuts in the postseason: Mark Kiger for the 2006 Athletics and Adalberto Mondesi with the 2015 Royals.
The injury-plagued Astros are relying on an inexperienced pitching staff after injuries to Justin Verlander, Roberto Osuna, Brad Peacock and Chris Devenski substantially altered the composition of the pitching staff. Somewhat remarkably, the only four pitchers on this roster who appeared on Houston’s ALCS roster a year ago are Zack Greinke, Josh James, Ryan Pressly and Jose Urquidy. The staff includes five rookies: Cristian Javier, Enoli Paredes, Andre Scrubb, Cy Sneed and Blake Taylor. Houston’s lineup is also missing 2019 American League Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez, who underwent surgery on both knees earlier this season.
It’s surely not the roster that the Astros envisioned taking to the postseason when the 2020 campaign began, but between breakout lefty Framber Valdez, an impressive sophomore effort from Urquidy and a terrific finish from Lance McCullers Jr., the ’Stros still have formidable options to start Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 3 behind Zack Greinke.
madmanTX
Which games will their trash can start?
Monkey’s Uncle
Trash can is singing the national anthem.
hiflew
When will the bad trash can jokes end?
Melvin McMurf
all I see are good trash can jokes
hiflew
I prefer good jokes to actually be, you know, funny. But to each their own I guess.
24TheKid
Cry about somewhere else.
hiflew
Thanks Yoda. Contribute anything else have you?
McGurk
Trash can plays best from the bench.
Astros2333
Your stupid stadium looks like a trash can. A nice outhouse for a crappy team.
hiflew
Didn’t Matt Reynolds also debut for the Mets in the 2015 postseason? I seem to recall both WS teams having a guy debut that year.
Larry David's Joe Pepitone Jersey
Reynolds was added to the roster after Utley took out Tejada, but he never appeared in a game and wasn’t on the World Series roster
hiflew
Thank you for the info. I knew I was remembering that story, but didn’t remember the details.
HalosHeavenJJ
Hope they get swept.
No, my team didn’t make it. Still better than having Osuna ever suit up for them.
whyhayzee
Knot they’re ear.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Still think they beat the Twins.