The Houston Astros made their first notable roster cuts of spring training on Thursday, a move that helps clarify the picture for the team’s Opening Day roster.
Right-handed pitching prospect Miguel Ullola and left-hander Colton Gordon were both optioned to minor league camp, trimming Houston’s group of pitchers in Major League camp and providing insight into the club’s early rotation plans.
Depth Options Head to Minor League Camp
Neither Ullola nor Gordon were expected to break camp with the Astros, but both remain important depth options for the organization heading into the 2026 season.
Ullola, considered one of Houston’s top pitching prospects, made three Grapefruit League appearances this spring. However, command issues surfaced as he issued six walks in 5⅓ innings, slowing his chances of making a late push for a roster spot.
Gordon performed well on the surface with a 1.69 ERA, but his outings also revealed control concerns. In three appearances, he recorded more walks (3) than strikeouts (2).
Both pitchers are expected to continue developing in the minors and could be called upon later in the season if injuries strike.
Vote of Confidence for Lance McCullers Jr.
The roster moves also signal that the Astros are placing considerable trust in Lance McCullers Jr. as part of their rotation plans.
McCullers has only made one appearance in Grapefruit League play, pitching a single inning and retiring all three batters he faced.
Houston’s willingness to move depth options out of Major League camp suggests the team expects McCullers to be ready when the regular season begins.
A High-Risk Rotation Piece
McCullers is entering the final year of the five-year, $85 million extension he signed with Houston in 2021. Injuries have severely limited his availability during that contract.
Across the past four seasons, the right-hander has appeared in just 24 games, logging 103 innings with a 4.54 ERA.
His injury history includes multiple setbacks last season, including:
- Starting the year on the injured list following surgery
- A foot sprain in June
- A finger blister after the All-Star break
- Hand soreness that landed him back on the IL late in the year
Astros Planning Six-Man Rotation
Houston is expected to open the 2026 season with a six-man rotation, which appears likely to include:
- Hunter Brown
- Cristian Javier
- Tatsuya Imai
- Lance McCullers Jr.
- Mike Burrows
- Ryan Weiss
Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti could still factor into the competition if he performs well during the remainder of spring training.
Depth Still Available
Despite the cuts, the Astros still have strong insurance options waiting in the minors.
If McCullers or another starter suffers another injury setback, Ullola or Gordon could quickly be called up to reinforce the rotation.
For now, however, Houston’s latest moves suggest the club is prepared to bet on McCullers staying healthy long enough to contribute to the 2026 season. ⚾
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