According to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, Josh James, once a front runner for the Astros’ 5th starting spot, is now out of the running due to a quad strain. A. J. Hinch has stated James is most likely not a possibility, narrowing down the field for that final starting pitcher. They are hoping he’ll still be ready by opening day to fill one of the spots in the bullpen.
Astros pitcher Josh James strained his quad. He is “not part of the mix right now,” A.J. Hinch said. Hinch said is “probably takes him out of the conversation” for the team’s fifth rotation spot.