Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, who has been on the disabled list for about a week, is expected to get the start next Monday against the Braves. It was a pesky bit of elbow inflammation for Rodriguez, but it looks like by being pro-active and cautious about it, the Astros have kept themselves from losing their ace for any real period of time.
Rodriguez threw roughly 60 pitches in the bullpen before Sunday’s game, using his whole repertoire. That included liberal use of his curveball, which was the root of his problems when he was dealing with the elbow inflammation that landed him on the DL.
“No hesitation,” Rodriguez said. “I feel great. I didn’t have any problem.”
The Astros would seem to have three options upon Wandy’s return, and one of them has been ruled out already as they’ve repeatedly said they won’t use a six-man rotation. They could send Jordan Lyles back to AAA, or they could push Aneury Rodriguez back to the bullpen. It’s going to be a very fine line, and Lyles’ next start could be the game that decides it.