Spring Training 2014: Cosart and Oberholtzer named to the starting rotation

The Astros' 25-man Opening Day roster is taking shape. A few more questions have been answered today. Jarred Cosart and Brett Oberholtzer have been named the starters in the opening series against the Yankees. Cosart will start game two; Oberholtzer game three.

Astros rotation to start season vs. Yanks: April 1: Feldman April 2: Cosart April 3: Oberholtzer (LHP)

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 20, 2014

Cosart made a splash in the major league debut last season on July 12, 2013 against the Rays, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning. The right-hander made 10 starts before being shut down in 2013, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.95 ERA, 0.97 K/BB rate, .246 BABIP, and 4.68 xFIP*. Cosart showed flashes of brilliance and lack of command that blurred the future of the right-hander. Cosart has been quite vocal about his desire to clearly his position on the team in 2014.

In his most recent Spring Training start against the Nationals, he dominated - striking out nine over five perfect innings.

Oberholtzer took a spot in the rotation after the Bud Norris trade at the deadline and never let go of it. He made 13 total appearances, and 10 starts for the Astros. Obe' touted a 4-5 record with a 2.24 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and 13 walks.  This year in Kissimmee, the left-hander has given up six runs over four innings of work.

The question then becomes who will get the fourth and fifth spots?

Astros have two spots in rotation remaining. Candidates are Peacock. Harrell, Williams and Keuchel.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 20, 2014

As a reminder, Scott Feldman will take the mound on Opening Day for the Astros.

*Stats courtesy of Fangraphs