Astros starting pitchers: Rotation for 2022 World Series vs. Phillies

The Houston Astros had one of the best starting rotations in MLB during the regular season. They led baseball in strikeouts and ranked second among all teams in ERA, WHIP and opponents' batting average. Not much has changed during the playoffs as Houston's starters have recorded a 2.77 ERA. They have a wealth of quality starting pitchers who are ready to attack the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series, which begins Friday at 8:03 p.m. ET. Here is how the Astros will line up their rotation through the first four games of the series.

Astros starting pitchers

Game 1: RHP Justin Verlander
Game 2: LHP Framber Valdez (not confirmed)
Game 3: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (not confirmed)
Game 4: RHP Luis Garcia (not confirmed)

Verlander rebounded from a poor ALDS outing to throw a dominant six innings in Game 1 of the ALCS. He will win his third AL Cy Young after this season and will start Game 1 of the World Series on eight days of rest.

The 28-year-old Valdez proved his postseason bona fides with an amazing eight-inning start during the 2021 ALCS. He tossed seven scoreless innings against the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS last week.

McCullers is still remembered for his amazing four-inning relief appearance to close out the 2017 ALCS. He's posted a 1.66 ERA over his past four postseason starts.

Garcia has made one appearance in these playoffs and it was one to remember: Five shutout innings with two hits and six strikeouts to earn the win over the Mariners in ALDS Game 3. Oh, and he entered that game at the start of the 14th inning.

  
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