The Houston Astros are set to start left-hander Brandon Walter against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a significant moment in his career. After showcasing impressive performance with a 2.27 ERA in Triple-A, Walter looks to prove himself at the major league level. The 28-year-old, who previously played for the Boston Red Sox, had a rough debut season but has worked hard to recover from a significant shoulder injury, missing all of 2024. The Astros will need to adjust their roster to accommodate his call-up, a move that could signal their confidence in his abilities as they face a strong opponent.

Meanwhile, Forrest Whitley, another player who recently joined the team, remains on the injured list but may be activated during this series, adding depth to the Astros' pitching staff. With Walter's potential and Whitley's return on the horizon, Houston's pitching rotation could look very different soon.