Houston backs J.P. France off a 30-day minor-league rehab, weighing whether he returns as a starter, long-relief option, or swingman as the Astros juggle a thinning pitching staff. With Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, and Jason Alexander set to start in Baltimore, Houston is weighing how to create space for a potential McCullers promotion from the IL while keeping its rotation intact. The decision hinges on France’s readiness and the team’s roster flexibility, a strategic crossroad that could reshape fantasy value on both ends of the rotation.

France, who built 3.83 ERA across 136 1/3 innings in 2023 (23 starts), has battled shoulder issues and underwent surgery before rehab. His return could add depth if used as a starter, but Houston remains unclear on whether he’ll slot into the rotation or fill a bullpen swing role. McCullers’ return further clouds the picture, as Houston must clear a roster spot while preserving a stable stretch run, making France a wait-and-see play for fantasy managers until a concrete role emerges.

In fantasy terms, the situation is a classic add-or-drop scenario: Paris-worthy upside if he’s in the rotation with a clear workload, but significant risk if he’s a swingman or bullpen piece. The Orioles series offers a concrete test, but the real signal will come once Houston confirms France’s role and whether McCullers returns to complement or supplant any of the current starters. Until then, patience and lineup-dynamic monitoring are key.

The Houston Astros are welcoming back reliever Shawn Dubin, who has been activated from the injured list to bolster their bullpen for a crucial matchup against the Reds. This comes after Logan VanWey was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land following a challenging outing where he gave up six earned runs in just 8⅔ innings over the season. Dubin's return is significant as he brings a fresh arm to a bullpen that was heavily utilized in a recent loss against Cincinnati, covering nearly nine innings after starter Lance McCullers Jr. left in the first inning.

Dubin's road back has been rocky, starting with a shoulder injury that sidelined him during spring training, and an ankle issue briefly sidetracked his recovery. However, he showed promise with a perfect minor-league stint, not allowing a run over four innings in his rehab appearances. Over the last two seasons, Dubin has posted a 4.64 ERA across 34 games, and Manager Joe Espada indicated he could be relied upon for 25-30 pitches initially. The Astros are hoping Dubin can provide stability as they navigate a tight pennant race.

The Houston Astros have made a significant change to their bullpen ahead of their series against the Seattle Mariners, optioning reliever Luis Contreras to Triple-A Sugar Land while promoting Logan VanWey from the same affiliate. This decision comes after an exhausting stretch for the Astros' bullpen, which logged over 12 innings in their last two games against the Minnesota Twins. Contreras, who has struggled and is one of the few relievers with options, has been replaced by VanWey, a promising right-hander seeking his MLB debut. VanWey impressed during spring training with a 1.32 ERA in 13⅔ innings, and his solid performance at Triple-A last year, where he posted a 3.22 ERA across 72⅔ innings, makes him a valuable addition for Houston.

To make room, the Astros transferred starter Luis Garcia to the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from elbow inflammation stemming from Tommy John surgery. Garcia's situation adds urgency to the Astros' need for fresh arms, and the hope is that VanWey can step up and provide much-needed support in the late innings, especially considering the strain already felt on the bullpen.