NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. --- The Astros plan to stretch out Chris Devenski as a starter in spring training before deciding whether to include him in their rotation or utilize him in relief.

Manager A.J. Hinch indicated on Tuesday the team will build the 26-year-old righthander up to at least three or four innings in Grapefruit League games. A determination on the pitcher's role to begin 2017 wouldn't be required until the final few weeks of spring training.

Devenski, who finished fourth in 2016 American League rookie of the year voting, posted a 1.61 ERA in 83 2/3 innings of relief but a 4.01 ERA in 24 2/3 innings spanning five starts. Four of his starts came in late April or early May, before the development of his slider gave him a reliable third pitch to complement his fastball-changeup combination.

"Devenski's going to have value for us one way or another, and he's going to be a multi-inning pitcher one way or another," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Whether it's two or five or seven (innings), that remains to be seen. It kind of depends how the rest of our rotation shakes out."

Not including Devenski or Michael Feliz, the Astros have nine starting pitchers on their 40-man roster: Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Collin McHugh, Charlie Morton, Joe Musgrove, Mike Fiers, Brady Rodgers, David Paulino and Brad Peacock.