Impact Odorizzi won out over Cristian Javier for the fifth and final spot in the rotation, a role that opened up when it became apparent earlier this spring that Lance McCullers (forearm) wouldn't be ready to go for Opening Day. Though he was moved to the bullpen during the playoffs last fall when the Astros shortened their rotation, Odorizzi's larger body of MLB starting experience and solid first half in 2021 before forearm issues torpedoed his season were enough to give him the edge on Javier for the rotation spot heading into 2022. Odorizzi helped his cause by proving his health in his lone Grapefruit League appearance March 22, when he tossed two scoreless innings against the Mets. He's since continued to build up his pitch count in simulated games.
MARCH 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
