Peter Lambert moved up a day in Astros’ rotation

Javier had made just one start in five appearances since coming off the IL a month ago and gave up three runs in three innings then. Tonight’s showing was quite a bit more promising, especially since he was throwing his secondary pitches harder than had all season. He’s probably not going to turn into a mixed-league option, but if he keeps throwing the way he did tonight, he will be helpful to Houston’s cause. He’ll likely face the Padres on Sunday.

Both runs came in the fifth, which started with a walk and three singles. Fortunately for Lambert, Evan Carter was thrown out trying to take second after a throw to the plate on the second single. Elias Díaz then grounded into a double play after the third hit, preventing what could have been a big inning. Lambert has allowed two runs or fewer in six straight starts and 11 of his last 12, but he’s remained stuck on eight wins since July 11, having received no-decisions in four straight starts. He’ll take a 3.06 ERA into his next start versus the Padres.

Lambert stranded three baserunners through the first two innings before the Angels brought a run in on a walk and two hits in the third. Another two hits in the fifth brought a second run in against Lambert. His day would be done after five innings at 90 pitches. He struck out six. The 29-year-old right-hander has had an excellent season with the Astros, posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 100/39 K/BB ratio across 103 innings. He’ll take on the Blue Jays in Houston on Monday.

Maybe this will prove troublesome going forward, but it still sounds better than most of the alternatives. Arrighetti exited tonight while warming up for the second inning after a rough first that saw him give up three runs. Cristian Javier could step into the rotation if Arrighetti lands on the IL. The rehabbing Hayden Wesneski would also be an option.

Lambert is on a roll. This was his third straight quality start and he lowered his ERA down to 3.03 in the process. Admittedly, he didn’t have his best stuff here. The Marlins scorched 10 hard-hit balls against him and he was fortunate to hold them to just two runs. Still, he threw tons of strikes and his defense made plays behind him. He’s become a highly reliable starting pitcher and is scheduled to face the Angels next time out.

Lambert leaned on his fastball for a dominant start here. He located it well at the letters all night and the Orioles hitters couldn’t help but swing under it. In all, it forced nine of his 14 total swings-and-misses and seven called strikes as well. That helped the pitch turn in an elite 77% strike rate. From there, he mixed his bevy of secondaries to keep the Orioles. His three walks were a blemish on his ledger and came in three consecutive plate appearances which forced home the only run he allowed. He’s become a breakout star this season with a 3.03 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 36 walks through 92 innings as a steadying force in the Astros’ otherwise chaotic rotation. He’s scheduled to face the Marlins at home next time out.

The 29-year-old right-hander had a terrific first half for the Astros, compiling a 3.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and an 81/33 K/BB ratio across 86 innings through his first 15 starts. At this stage, he should be considered a viable weekly option in all mixed leagues. Spencer Arrighetti will follow him on Saturday with Hunter Brown getting the ball in Sunday’s series finale in Houston.

It’s a small sampler because of injury, but it’s probably not a good sign when three innings of three-run baseball sees your ERA actually drop to 9.98. It was his first start since returning from the shoulder strain, and it somewhat predictably didn’t go well as he allowed four hits and three walks to go with four strikeouts. It remains to be seen if Javier will remain in the rotation. Fantasy managers have the luxury of not having to worry about Javier; he can remain on the waiver wire.

He’s taking the spot of the demoted Mike Burrows. Javier has allowed one run and walked three over three innings in two relief appearances since being activated last week. He had a 12.54 ERA in three starts to open the year before landing on the IL with a shoulder strain.

Lambert gave up three hits, walked one and struck out seven. He improved to 8-5 with the win. Lambert has won six of his last seven decision. He was excellent against the Rangers on Saturday, lowering his ERA to 3.14 heading into the All-Star break.