3 Players Who Will Be Left off the Astros' ALCS Roster

It took a bit longer than expected, but the Houston Astros are headed back to the ALCS for the third year in a row. Before they play host to the Yankees in a 2017 ALCS rematch, though, they have some intriguing roster decisions to make. After squeaking by the Tampa Bay Rays in five games in the ALDS, we predict these three players will miss the cut for the next round of the playoffs.

3. Wade Miley

Miley did himself no favors in the first round of the playoffs. The veteran southpaw allowed three runs on four hits and a walk during his lone 2.2 inning appearance against the Rays. His case also isn't helped by the fact that the Yankees lit him up for four runs in five innings during his only start against them back in June. With other viable options such as Brad Peacock available, there's really no point in the Astros keeping him around to face the vaunted Yankees lineup in the fourth starter spot.

2. Kyle Tucker

It's a close call between Tucker and speedster Myles Straw, but the depth of the Astros' lineup at the plate really diminishes Tucker's value to the team. They're not exactly strapped for offense quite like they are for speed, and Myles Straw is one of the few players available to manager AJ Hinch who has game-changing speed. In fact, he might be the only player on the roster with a legitimate chance of beating out a throw from Yankees backstop Gary Sanchez. Tucker simply provides less upside to the team as a bench bat than Straw does as a pinch runner, and that's what will cost him a roster spot.

1. Josh James

Josh James logged one total inning of work against the Yankees this year and allowed four hits, three walks and six runs. That alone is reason enough to keep him off of the ALCS roster. It also helps matters that the Astros can opt for guys with playoff experience, such as Chris Devenski, or younger arm, such as Bryan Abreu. There's no going wrong for Hinch in this situation, so long as the final bullpen arm isn't James.