Astros to roll with 4-man rotation for rest of season

PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after giving up two runs on Seattle Mariners Tom Murphy's single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, in Houston. Browse through the photos to see how the Astros have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after giving up two runs on Seattle Mariners Tom Murphy's single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute ... more Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 245 Caption Close Astros to roll with 4-man rotation for rest of season 1 / 245 Back to Gallery

Lefthander Framber Valdez, who had an uneven performance in his most recent start, will return to the bullpen as the Astros revert to a four-man pitching rotation for the rest of the regular season.

Manager A.J. Hinch said he informed Valdez before Sunday's game that his best chance to contribute down the stretch would be in relief, given the distribution of games and off days the rest of the way.

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"He is going to sort out his delivery and his command and control in the bullpen and see if he can help us down the stretch," Hinch said.

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Valdez allowed three runs on two hits and walked six with six strikeouts during an uneven four-inning no-decision Friday against the Mariners.

The Astros will pitch Zack Greinke on Monday, Wade Miley on Tuesday and Justin Verlander on Thursday in their upcoming series with the A's, with a bullpen day on Wednesday. Hinch said he won't necessarily go to the opener concept for the game and that anyone among the dozen or so arms in the bullpen will begin the game.

The Astros have days off on Sept. 16 and 19 surrounding a two-game set with the Rangers and Monday, Sept. 23, before a regular-season ending road trip to Seattle and Anaheim. Hinch said he will have at least one more bullpen day the rest of the way after this week as the Astros line up the rotation preparing for the playoffs.

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