The Astros are already down one starter with Lance McCullers Jr. on the shelf. Now the city will have to hold its breath with the news that Hunter Brown has been scratched from his start today in spring training.
With McCullers being down for an unknown period of time and following the loss of Justin Verlander this past winter, the Astros are counting on Brown to carry a rotation spot this season. If he were to miss any time in the regular season, the Astros would be forced into either starting Ronel Blanco or dipping into the Sugar Land roster for Brandon Bielak or maybe even Forrest Whitley.