What worried me more was Cooper saying he would not use a 6 man rotation AND he would just mix and match for the rotation. That seemed like a recipe for a lot of problems if pitchers in the rotation don’t know whether they are starting or relieving on any given day. When you have older pitchers, it is possible that the extra day of rest may be beneficial by allowing them to boost their velocity and perhaps go deeper in games. Several of our starters have looked their best when they have had a lot of rest. This might be a good situation for Paulino, because first it keeps him in the rotation (as Footer indicates, he is the most likely to be sent down) and second, given his past injuries, it may be a good idea to keep his total innings for the season in check.

I have commented on several occasions that I think Moehler belongs in the bullpen, but everytime I say that, he pitches a good starting game. I have just accepted the fact that Moehler will be given every chance in the world to stay in the rotation because Cooper loves his grittiness, and the $2.5 million salary is an impediment to moving him out of the rotation.

Since Astros do not have a game off until the All Star break and play like 15 days in a row it is in many ways like having a five man rotation with a guy pitching on what would be a normal travel day.

Plus Cecil Cooper has the luxury if a starter stumbles early in a game to bring another starter as long reliever.

Plus the injury bug can sting at any time.

Considerations change after the All Star game, but it is too early to know what the situation will be then.
I see six pitchers all pitching very well (at least the ones we’ve seen pitch lately). I’d go with all six as long as the Astros keep winning.