Wandy likely to get Astros’ Opening Day nod
With Brett Myers having been moved into the closer role, Wandy Rodriguez appears to be in line to start Opening Day. In fact, Rodriguez probably deserves the honor more than any other pitcher considering he’s got seven years with the club and is third on the club’s all-time for wins by a left-hander and first in strikeouts by a left-hander.
Still, manager Brad Mills remains non-commital.
“We’re dealing with the situation with his back tightness and so forth right now, and we’re hoping to be able get that all taken care of so we don’t have to worry about that,” Mills said. “He’s got to be considered very heavily.”
Meanwhile, Mills said Jordan Lyles would start Monday against the Braves in Kissimmee in the team’s third Grapefruit League game of the year.
Much more to come later today from what promises to be a hot day in Central Florida.
Carlos Lee yucks it up with Fernando Rodriguez, Livan Hernandez and J.D. Martinez.
Brian McTaggart
Wandy and Bud seem to be the clear 1-2.
After that, I prefer to see the young guys get innings, to the extent we have young guys who deserve innings. In decades past, teams did not hesitate to bring up promising youngsters. The Astros of nearly the last 20 years have been afraid to do this. Hopefully this new crew will not fall into that same pattern. Let’s find out what they have, otherwise move on. To that end, I would much rather see Lyles, Cosart, Foltynewicz, Clemens, Oberholtzer, Bushue and/or Weiland over someone Livan or Duke.
Wandy has EARNED the right to take the ball opening day. No one has been more verbal about Wandy than me, but he’s turned the corner (albeit alittle late) and he’s one of the BEST lefty’s around.