CLEVELAND — One pitcher was sent to the minors and will not pitch again prior to the All-Star break, while the other had his start pushed back a couple days.
Vince Velasquez’s demotion to Class AA after his start Tuesday brought forth other changes to the Astros rotation for the final five games of the first half. Velasquez’s next scheduled start was Sunday, a spot Lance McCullers now occupies, moving back from Friday for two extra days of rest.
Both Velasquez and McCullers are rookies who were promoted to the majors straight from Class AA. The Astros and the players’ interests are aligned for the most part in a situation like this.