One specific rotation detail sets the Astros apart from the rest of MLB

The Houston Astros are coming off a rough season where injuries played a big role. They finished the season with an 87-75 record, missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. 

With Framber Valdez on the open market, the front office has focused on the starting rotation. Unlikely to re-sign Valdez, they went out and signed Tatsuya Imai on a three-year deal, alongside Ryan Weiss, who signed a one-year deal. 

They also acquired Mike Borrows in a three-team trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays. 

MORE: Astros reveal rotation plans with Tatsuya Imai, Hunter Brown

One specific rotation detail sets the Astros apart from the rest of MLB

Tatsuya Imai and Ryan Weiss could both be in store for big seasons. Imai is coming off a season with the Saitama Seibu Lions, where he held together a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA. Weiss is coming off a year with the Hanwha Eagles, where he posted a 16-5 record with a 2.87 ERA. 

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts an Opening Day starting rotation that consists of:

Hunter Brown
Cristian Javier
Tatsuya Imai (R)
Lance McCullers Jr. 
Mike Borrows
Ryan Weiss (R)

As you can see, Houston is planning on running a six-man rotation to start the year. This will help limit the number of innings these pitchers need to throw, which could help them stay healthy. 

Not many teams are doing a five-man rotation. The only other teams projected to run out this many in the rotation are the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. 

However, the two rookies in the starting rotation are what set Houston apart. And while you can say Weiss and Imai are not typical rookies, you would be right. But they have never pitched in MLB, which is a whole different level of baseball at the biggest stage. 

It will be interesting to see how these two look this upcoming season.

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