Bullpen game works but highlights questions about Houston Astros' rotation. Do they have enough?

On Wednesday, the Houston Astros took advantage of a bullpen game against the Giants, featuring three pitchers working shutout innings. Starting pitcher Bryan King made his professional debut, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the team's rotation as they aim for playoff contention. Despite their win, questions remain about Houston's depth and stability in their starting lineup.

With playoff aspirations, the Astros currently lead the American League West by a single game, but have expressed reservations about half of their six active starters potentially making a meaningful start later in the season. Two key starters recently returned from elbow surgeries, while others have recently joined the bullpen due to struggles.

Manager Joe Espada explained his decision to use a bullpen game, stating they had "put that together yesterday, just based on where we re at as a club." The plan resulted in a win, as the Astros' top relievers managed five scoreless innings, bolstered by three pitcher innings from Imai.

However, the Astros' rotation struggles are evident in their upcoming games. They will face the Seattle Mariners, a division rival with a 5½-game lead, in a three-game series beginning Friday. Two of their starters, Cristian Javier and Peter Lambert, will be among the pitchers for that series, with both having pitched on four days' rest since their returns from injuries. The Astros opted not to start Javier, who struggles on four-day rest, and Cristian Javier, who has a 6.68 ERA over 32⅓ innings this season.

Houston's reliance on their bullpen is evident, as they rank third in the majors in ERA since June 1. While their offense has struggled, their bullpen's performance could provide a stabilizing force if the starters can maintain their leads. However, using the bullpen frequently down the stretch may tax a squad already struggling with innings pitched.