With three games left, Houston controls its AL West fate, but Cristian Javier’s groin injury leaves its Game 162 starter uncertain. Javier went on the injured list Wednesday; Hunter Brown starts Friday, and Hayden Wesneski is likely Saturday, leaving Sunday’s starter undecided.
Among the active-roster options, Ethan Pecko would be on three days’ rest after throwing 51 pitches Wednesday; Miguel Ullola could make a short start if available. Ronel Blanco has completed at least four innings in all five starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, but has a 7.11 ERA in that stretch. Reliever Tatsuya Imai has a 2.12 ERA since moving to the bullpen, though he has not pitched with Houston leading or tied since July 27.
The article also notes Mike Burrows, still on the 60-day injured list, had a 1.76 ERA in four rehab starts. Its deliberately far-fetched options include Lance McCullers Jr.; the author says he has no information on whether McCullers has thrown since the Brewers released him. Justin Verlander was scheduled for what the article calls his final career start with Detroit on Saturday. The author says the Tigers would need to put him on waivers immediately for the 48-hour process to finish before Sunday, but says the scenario will not happen.
