Houston Astros Manager Reveals Plan For Rookie Pitcher After Rough Debut

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada revealed what's next for their top pitching prospect after he got shelled in his debut.

Mar 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada walks on the field after a pitching change during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It's only April, but the Houston Astros' rotation has already been decimated by injuries.

With Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia all on the IL, new manager Joe Espada has been forced to get creative and lean on untested arms.

Not surprisingly, the results have been poor.

The 4-9 Astros have used a rookie starter in two of the last three games, and both of them got shelled.

The latest victim was top pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti, who got rocked by the Kansas City Royals in his MLB debut on Wednesday. The 24-year-old righty only lasted three innings, surrendering seven runs in the third en route to an 11-2 beatdown.

Given how poorly Arrighetti's outing went, many Houston fans were likely wondering whether he'd remain in the rotation or get sent back down to Triple-A Sugar Land.

After the game, Espada clarified what's next for the rookie.

Not that this should be a surprise, but Joe Espada said Spencer Arrighetti "is going to get a second opportunity." So, he's in the Astros' rotation.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 11, 2024

Espada confirmed that Arrighetti is going to get another shot, but didn't specify when.

With three off days in the next two weeks, Espada doesn't have to use Arrighetti anytime soon. The rookie's next start lines up against the Atlanta Braves at home early next week, which is a brutal matchup for a young pitcher trying to build up his confidence. Perhaps Espada will push Arrighetti back a few days and use him against the Washington Nationals instead.

Regardless of the matchup, at least Arrighetti will get a chance to redeem himself.

Hopefully his second start goes better than his first one did.