Astros set starting pitching rotation for Grapefruit League

PHOTOS: Feb. 21 - Astros spring training Astros pitchers Gerrit Cole, left, and Justin Verlander chat during Thursday’s first workout for pitchers and catchers in West Palm Beach, Fla. >>>See photos from the Astros' spring training in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 ... less PHOTOS: Feb. 21 - Astros spring training Astros pitchers Gerrit Cole, left, and Justin Verlander chat during Thursday’s first workout for pitchers and catchers in West Palm Beach, Fla. >>>See ... more Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff / Houston Chronicle Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 90 Caption Close Astros set starting pitching rotation for Grapefruit League 1 / 90 Back to Gallery

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Justin Verlander will make his Grapefruit League debut against Noah Syndergaard on Monday afternoon at Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, manager A.J. Hinch revealed on Thursday afternoon.

In the club’s daily morning meeting, Hinch laid out the Astros’ full rotation for the first slate of Grapefruit League games. Righthander Brady Rodgers was announced as the team’s opening night starter on Wednesday. He’ll oppose Max Scherzer and the Nationals on Saturday night in West Palm Beach.

During Sunday’s split squad action, lefthander Framber Valdez will start the afternoon’s home game against the Braves while Rogelio Armenteros will get the ball in Port St. Lucie against the Mets. Hinch will manage the group that stays in West Palm Beach against the Braves, he said.

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Gerrit Cole will throw on Tuesday against the Marlins in Jupiter. Wade Miley and Collin McHugh will each pitch on Wednesday against the Nationals. Miley will start the game, Hinch said, and McHugh will follow from the bullpen.

“McHugh wanted me to do it that way so I’d have to answer questions whether he’s really a starter or a reliever,” Hinch joked.

Brad Peacock will start Thursday against the Marlins in West Palm Beach. Hinch intimated Thursday that no starter would exceed two innings during his first spring training outing.

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