HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Houston Astros faced a setback as pitcher Spencer Arrighetti suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand during a freak accident while playing catch in the outfield before their game in Seattle. Manager Joe Espada confirmed the injury, which will likely force Arrighetti to land on the 15-day injured list, leaving a gap in the team’s starting rotation.
With Arrighetti sidelined, the Astros have had to adjust their pitching rotation for the upcoming series against the Seattle Mariners. Young pitchers Hayden Wesneski, Framber Valdez, and Hunter Brown are expected to step up in Arrighetti’s absence. The team’s off day on Thursday provides some flexibility in their roster decisions, possibly allowing Ronel Blanco to pitch on regular rest on Friday.
The Astros are facing a challenge in their starting rotation depth as they lack experienced options beyond their current roster. Left-hander Colton Gordon is the only healthy starter on the 40-man roster who is pitching in Triple-A, while rookie Ryan Gusto has the potential to fill in for rotation work if needed. Moreover, Lance McCullers Jr. is nearing a return to the big league after being sidelined due to arm surgeries, which could provide additional support to the pitching staff.
Arrighetti’s performance in his recent outings has shown promise, despite the setback of his injury. The young pitcher delivered a solid outing against the Mets in his season debut but struggled against Minnesota in his most recent start. With a 4.53 ERA over his rookie year, Arrighetti has demonstrated improvement throughout the season, particularly in the latter half where he showed better control and strikeout rates.
As Arrighetti works on his recovery, the Astros will rely on a blend of young talent and potential returnees to maintain their pitching strength. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges in their rotation will be crucial as they aim for success in the upcoming games.