Astros’ Spencer Arrighetti Begins Season in Triple A
The Houston Astros have optioned right-hander Spencer Arrighetti to Triple-A Sugar Land. Manager Joe Espada informed Arrighetti before Monday night’s exhibition at Daikin Park. That game was against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
Arrighetti will pitch Tuesday in a piggyback role. He is slated to relieve Lance McCullers Jr. in that outing.
Decision and roster strategy
Houston decided not to carry a sixth starter through Opening Day. The team preferred to keep Arrighetti stretched as a starter. Carrying him as a long reliever would have limited his innings and development.
Espada said the club plans to expand to a six-man rotation on April 10. That date begins a 13-game stretch. Espada indicated Arrighetti will be a candidate for the rotation when the club expands.
Spring workload and personal leave
Arrighetti missed the final five days of spring training for a family matter. His fiancée gave birth to twin boys in Houston.
He maintained arm care while away and threw bullpen sessions. Before departing, he had built up to 57 pitches in Grapefruit League play.
Across eight Grapefruit League innings, Arrighetti allowed six earned runs and struck out 12. The limited workload factored into the decision to start him in Triple-A.
Opening rotation plan
The Astros set their first five starters without Arrighetti. They prioritized innings management and roster balance.
- Opening Day: Hunter Brown
- Friday: Mike Burrows (trade acquisition)
- Saturday: Cristian Javier
- Sunday: Tatsuya Imai
- Monday: Lance McCullers Jr. (series opener vs. Boston)
Tatsuya Imai will make his MLB debut on five days’ rest. That aligns with his routine from NPB. Slotting him on Sunday ensures his next starts include scheduled off days.
McCullers and the fifth-starter role
Lance McCullers Jr. will open the season as the fifth starter. He is in the final season of a five-year, $85 million extension. His salary this year is $18 million.
McCullers impressed this spring with improved velocity and command. Espada praised his aggressiveness and different demeanor. Those traits helped secure the role despite past injuries.
Spencer Arrighetti will begin the season at Triple-A Sugar Land but remains in the club’s rotation plans. The club sees this move as long-term roster management aimed at a full 162-game season.
Report for Filmogaz.com.
