Entering the season, there were legitimate concerns about the Astros’ bullpen. Yes, the club signed Josh Hader to form what was viewed, at least at the time, as a formidable backend of a bullpen consisting of him, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu. Formidable it hasn’t been. But there is still time for that trio to rebound following a rough start to the season (5.20 ERA in 45 innings). The middle relief options, however, were increasingly limited. Héctor Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek threw a combined 185 innings in 2023, and all departed for new clubs in the offseason.
Barring Changes, Rafael Montero Could Be Pitching On Borrowed Time
