The "problem" is that the Astros are stuck with him. There is really no choice but to keep scheduling him every 6 days. They can have a long/bulk guy ready every start in case he doesn't go long. But that's a problem if there isn't an offday because the bullpen is already short if its in a 6 man rotation. Everyone besides fans have, for years, said it would be higher injury risk in the bullpen and he must remain a starter and that's makes sense to me. But I'm questioning every medical decision/answer the Astros have given.
I wish I shared your optimism. His FB is down 3 mph and the movement is diminished. Even when he’s been effective his FB is not what it was before he got hurt. It’s not just erratic command from start to start that’s common for pitchers returning from a long absence. It’s a lesser physical ability.
I’m not saying it’s impossible but there’s a much higher chance you DON’T want to see Lance on the mound game 3 than you will want to see him. His stuff has diminished and he has always walked way too many guys. If you’re averaging a 91 mph fastball as a right handed starter, you better be able to pinpoint it. He will definitely have starts where he will be really good moving forward because he can still generate swing and miss with his breaking pitches but I wouldn’t bet on him becoming consistent enough to where you would ever feel comfortable with him starting a playoff game.
