With a spectacular showing in winter ball, GM Ed Wade had talked about putting Abad in the mix for the No. 5 rotation slot. But the Astros have decided that Abad will be in the bullpen this year, although Wade leaves open the possibility that Abad could become a starter in future years. Wades points to the importance of the lefty bullpen role as a reason. Abad has experienced a rapid increase in innings pitched, between last season (his first as a starter) and winter ball; so, I also wonder if that is a factor.