We knew Astros manager Brad Mills was in a difficult position after Dallas Keuchel made his case as a big league starter last week against the Cleveland Indians. It was only Keuchel's second start, but turned into the first complete game from an Astros pitcher this season.
That was also an 8-1 victory for Houston, as everything seemed to be clicking on that Saturday at Minute Maid Park. Keuchel, true to form, didn't amaze the crowd with his blistering stuff, instead just making solid pitches and allowing his defense to make plays.
Meanwhile, Bud Norris was pitching for Oklahoma City giving up three hits, two of them home runs, in five innings of work. Norris was only supposed to be on the disabled list for a short period of time, which in turn meant Keuchel was only supposed to a major league pitcher for a short period of time, at least for now.
But Keuchel, through his own success, created a situation for the Stros' coaching staff that doesn't seem to have been anticipated. This was a no-brainer, of course.
The Houston Chronicle reported on Tuesday that the Astros will add the rookie to form a six-man rotation until the All-Star break. Keuchel will start Thursday at home against the Padres, while Norris will return Friday for the opener of the Cubs series, the report says.
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