Astros Writer Brian McTaggart Anticipates More Rotation in DH Position

The Matt Thomas Show

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show to break down the Houston Astros playing the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter. The Astros return to spring training action after their matchup against the Mets on Wednesday was rained out. Pitcher Ronel Blanco had four strikeouts and only allowed one hit during a three-inning start against the Marlins. "I think he has a good shot to make the team out of the bullpen," McTaggart said. J.P. France entered camp with shoulder discomfort but was able to face live batters for the first time this spring on Wednesday. "I think we'll see him get in some games," but it's "just a matter of building up that pitch count." After the Astros announced Justin Verlander would be placed on the injury list to start the season, pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti has been receiving more attention, and McTaggart thinks Arrighetti will be "in the big leagues sometime this year." As Opening Day nears, McTaggart notes that starting center fielder Jake Meyers "looks more comfortable then he's been in previous years," and Yordan Álvarez will mostly fill the designated-hitter position, but "we'll see a lot more guys rotate through."