Houston Astros rule out rookie ahead of Monday’s game

The Houston Astros made a late decision on starting pitcher Jake Bloss on Monday, ruling the rookie out of his scheduled appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to sources, MLB.com and The Athletic both reported the decision. The Astros’ reasons for the decision were unclear, as it came about 90 minutes before the game was set to start.

Bloss made his MLB debut earlier this year after the Astros suffered a series of injuries to their starting pitchers. He suffered one himself after his first start, which landed him on the injured list.

In three starts this season, he is 0-1 with a 6.44 ERA. His last start came last week against Oakland.

Starting pitching has been an issue all season for the Astros. They’ve already lost starters Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy to Tommy John surgery and neither will return until the second half of 2025. JP France had shoulder surgery last month that ended his season.

Another starter, Lance McCullers Jr., was sidelined while recovering from surgery last year.

Two starting pitchers have thrown recently as they try to return from injury. Luis Garcia threw a bullpen start Friday and is expected to throw another one Tuesday as he tries to return to a rehab assignment after recovering from Tommy John surgery last year.

Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander is making progress with neck stiffness and will also pitch Tuesday. His last bullpen appearance included 50 pitches.

Despite all the starting pitching issues, the Astros lead the American League West heading into the series against Pittsburgh at Minute Maid Park. General manager Dana Brown hopes to add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.