As we (and others) predicted, Bo Porter has officially named Bud Norris as the Astros' Opening Day starter on March 31.
Harrell will start Game 2 and Phil Humber will start Game 3. SPs 4/5 have yet to be determined. But they won't be John Ely or Jordan Lyles (surprise!) who were both optioned to Oklahoma City today.
Lyles, who had a rough start yesterday that actually lowered his Spring ERA, was told by Porter that his roster move was not a demotion, but rather a delay. Ely had allowed 14H/11ER in 10IP, with 10K:4BB and four HR allowed.
So it seems as though Peacock, White, and Bedard are in the mix for the final two spots. And again, Bedard would be the only lefty, so I think he's a lock, leaving Peacock and White to battle it out over that final spot (I still give the nod to Peacock).
Furthermore, Luhnow told the media today that it's hard to envision a scenario in which he trades either Norris or Harrell:
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
