Let’s face it, fifth starter has pretty much been a hot-mess for the Astros all season.
A number of Astros pitchers have failed to hold down the 5th starter spot. Colin McHugh, Corbin Martin, Framber Valdez, and Jose Urquidy have all made starts in that spot; all have been found wanting. McHugh was solid early allowing two runs or less through his first four starts. After that his pitching went from pretty good to inconsistent. He had only one more start where he allowed three runs or less. Eventually he was moved to the pen, and well, you all know the rest.