Injured Astros right-hander Brad Peacock began a rehab assignment at the Double-A level on Wednesday, Mark Berman of Fox 26 reports. Barring setbacks, Peacock could slot back into the Astros’ rotation by July 15, per Jake Kaplan of The Athletic (subscription link).
Peacock went down June 28 with with shoulder inflammation, which always sounds ominous for a pitcher. The fact that he’s on track to return within a three-week span is a victory for the Astros, who’ve seen Peacock offer fine production in a full-time starting role this season. After making 60 of his 61 appearances out of the Astros’ bullpen in 2018, Peacock has totaled 15 starts in 17 outings this year, pitching to a 4.13 ERA/4.15 FIP with 9.42 K/9 against 2.65 BB/9 in 85 frames.
The 31-year-old Peacock’s emergence as a credible complement to Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley has been an important development for Houston this season. After all, the club has had extreme difficulty finding another dependable starter to fill out its rotation. Collin McHugh joined Peacock in moving back to the Astros’ starting staff to begin the season, but the typically solid McHugh floundered there and has since returned to their bullpen. Top 100 prospect Corbin Martin, who initially replaced McHugh, struggled in his first taste of major league action before undergoing Tommy John surgery last week. Framber Valdez and Jose Urquidy, the other starters the Astros have tried, have also failed to lay claim to a spot.
Although no one has stepped up to give the Astros a fifth capable starter, they still possess the American League’s second-best record (57-33) and a 7 1/2-game advantage in their division. Even with Peacock on the way back, however, the Astros figure to add another established starter before the July 31 trade deadline. In fact, indications are the club’s going big-game hunting for another front-of-the-rotation arm to join Verlander and Cole. Noah Syndergaard (link), Trevor Bauer (link), Madison Bumgarner (link), Matthew Boyd (link) and Marcus Stroman (link) have all reportedly landed on the Astros’ radar.
15 starts, not 16
Thanks. Time to get my eyes checked.
Kyle Tucker and another top 30 prospect for madbum and Dyson or Watson? I know, I know, impossible, but let us Giants fans think of better things on the horizon.
No way madbum is not that good. I don’t even know if they’d give up Tucker alone.
The Astros top 4 OF will be free agents after next season.
Tucker won’t be traded.
Praying for Thor. Take Tucker and some blocked guys like Fisher.
I think JL eyes are on Stroman mostly but at what cost I can live with giving up Tucker or one 2 minor league pictures problem is Whom!!!! I really don’t know what FW Health is but unless he goes back to AAA & turns it around he out till next year However the JL & the Jay’s have good history of helping each other out. However with out any trade Valdez & Urquidy could combine & cover the 5th spot but that means White & Kemp or Smith have to be moved once Diaz Correa are back so we have movable pieces & It still hurts not resigning Norton. Also really like the idea of splitting Cole & Justin with Miley in-between then #4 is Stroman the a tag team of Peacok & Valdez & covering the 5th spot 3 to 4 inning ea then the BP covering evething else is won’t be a walk in the park but will “Earn it & Take it Back” top to bottom with the Astros line up health wise No Ones Pitching staff can keep us out of the game. Not the Dodger, Nats, Yankee’s Mets Twins Braves or Rays can go Thur our entire line up & shut them down completely.