Astros' No. 5 starter still unknown after Joe Musgrove's outing

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- In a spring when the Astros have positions taken by veterans and young stars, a bullpen of the same pitchers that led the majors last year in WAR and a starting rotation nearly set, the No. 5 starter has been the most prominent opening.

Joe Musgrove and Mike Fiers are the top contenders, and neither righty has taken a lead.

Fiers made a start but missed time because of hamstring soreness. He and Collin McHugh, who is coming back from dead arm, are scheduled to pitch in minor league games on Friday.

On Wednesday, Musgrove called their competition a "stalemate" after he pitched four innings against the Washington Nationals. He was not pleased with his command, which usually is a clear strength for him. He fell behind in counts often and allowed three hits, two earned runs and two walks.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch considered Musgrove's self-assessment understandable but overblown.

"He made some close pitches that didn't go his way, which might have flipped his belief in himself a little bit," Hinch said. "He's been very impressive this spring. He hasn't had a ton of marks against him. Being the perfectionist and prepared guy that he is, it doesn't surprise me that he's not thrilled with a few mistakes."