Houston Astros star prospect reportedly set to start Thursday after IL stint

Starting pitchers are a major need for the Houston Astros right now.

After three of their starters suffered season-ending injuries and Lance McCullers Jr. suffered a setback in his pitching progress, they need viable options in their rotation to continue their push toward the playoffs.

At some point after the All-Star break, the expectation is that they get Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia back, but adding someone at the trade deadline is something this front office is focused on.

In the meantime, it looks like they’ll be getting one of their injured starters back.

According to Chandler Rome of The AthleticStar prospect Jake Bloss will be activated from the disabled list and will be the starting pitcher for Thursday’s game against the Miami Marlins. He has been out since June 21 with right shoulder discomfort.

That came immediately after his major league debut, when he allowed two earned runs in 3.2 innings pitched. Despite the final stats, he showed some signs of what makes him one of the best minor league players in their pipeline.

Initially there were concerns that his shoulder injury could force him to miss an extended period, or even the rest of the season, but after further testing they had good news and he will now be able to get back into the mix.

Bloss was sent to their Triple-A affiliate for rehab on July 6, and after an outing where he pitched four scoreless innings and allowed just one hit, Houston felt he was ready to return to their major league roster.

No corresponding move has been announced yet, so his departure Thursday is unofficial, but the talented 23-year-old is expected to be back on the mound.