Houston Astros Rotation Has Potential Gap For Texas Rangers Series

The Houston Astros are preparing to head to Arlington, Texas, for their first series of teh 2024 season with their rival, the Texas Rangers.

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher J.P. France (68) delivers a pitch / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros have set their rotation for their four-game series with the Texas Rangers, which starts Friday at Globe Life Field, though it comes with a bit of a gap for Saturday’s second game.

The TBA is understandable. It’s where J.P. France would start for the Astros. But, at the moment, France is on the paternity list as he awaits the birth of his child.

Per MLB rules, a player is allowed to stay on the paternity list for up to three games. The Astros moved France there before Tuesday’s game, which means he can stay there through Friday.

But, what if France needs more time? The Rangers, oddly enough, have an example of how France could be out longer and not put the Astros in a bind, roster-wise. Two years ago Rangers reliever Matt Moore went on the paternity list for the birth of his child. When Moore needed an extra day, the Rangers slid him to the bereavement list as a courtesy.

For now, the Houston Chronicle reported that France is not expected to miss the start.

France, a right-hander, took a no-decision in his first start of the season, going 5.2 innings and giving up six hits, three earned runs and a walk against five strikeouts against the New York Yankees.

If France pitches, he’ll face Rangers right-hander Jon Gray. He took a no-decision in his first start, during which he went just 3.2 innings and gave up seven hits, five earned runs and three walks against just two strikeouts.

Friday’s opener will pit the Astros’ Hunter Brown against the Rangers’ Cody Bradford. The right-handed Brown ended up with a no-decision in his first start of the season, going four innings and giving up four hits. He didn’t allow a run, walked two and struck out five.

Bradford, a left-hander, won his season debut for the Rangers last Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. He gave up three hits and two earned runs in five innings, while allowing one walk and striking out six.

Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco (1-0) will start on Sunday against Texas right-hander Dane Dunning (1-0).

Blanco will be making his first start since throwing a no-hitter against Toronto on Monday, which was his first start of the season and just the ninth start of his Major League career. He struck out seven and walked two in the contest. He took the spot of Jose Urquidy, who is out with an arm injury.

Dunning won his season-opening start against Tampa Bay on Monday, as he gave up three hits and three runs in 6.1 innings at Tropicana Field. He struck out seven and walked four. He’ll be making his first home start of 2024.

Monday’s finale will pit Astros left-hander Framber Valdez against Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney (0-1).

While Valdez doesn’t have a decision, he’s been sharp in two starts, giving up three earned run in 12.1 innings while striking out 10. He has walked six and given up 11 hits.

Heaney lost his first start of the season against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, going 4.1 innings and giving up one earned run and four hits. He struck out seven and walked none.