Astros Release Starting Rotation for First 3 Games of World Series
By Parker White
The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals will kick off the World Series on Tuesday, and though both teams have plenty of generational arms to work with, the order of their appearances still matters.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch was asked about where his rotation stands on Monday, and he made things official by releasing his starters for the first three games of the Fall Classic.
A.J. Hinch makes it official
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) October 21, 2019
Game 1: Gerrit Cole
Game 2: Justin Verlander
Game 3: Zack Greinke
Yeah, this doesn't shock anyone. A rested Gerrit Cole, the best starter in the game this year, will take Game 1. Following Cole will be Justin Verlander in Game 2 and Zack Greinke in Game 3.
Hinch doesn't have anything set in stone for Game 4. He'll make that decision based on how the series is going.
Astros rotation is as expected to start the series:
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) October 21, 2019
Game 1 — Gerrit Cole
Game 2 — Justin Verlander
Game 3 — Zack Greinke
A.J. Hinch says that they will then read and react for Game 4 based on where the series is. He listed Brad Peacock and José Urquidy as options.
In all likelihood, the Astros will have themselves a bullpen game with either Brad Peacock or Jose Urquidy getting the start. Hinch listed those two as possible options for that game. Some believe Hinch'll lean Peacock.
The #Astos still undecided for Game 4 start but likely Brad Peacock
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 21, 2019
If Houston is down in the series, do you think Hinch would go with Cole on three days' rest? We'll have to wait and see.