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With Astros’ rotation in a bind, Fister provides little relief
- Updated: September 8, 2016
CLEVELAND — The inability of Astros starters to pitch deep into games over the past week is finally starting to take its toll on the team’s reliable bullpen.
Manager A.J. Hinch admitted following Wednesday’s 6-5 loss to the Indians at Progressive Field that he was without key relief pitchers Will Harris, Chris Devenski and Michael Feliz because of their workload, which made it hard for Hinch to piece things together after starter Doug Fister went just 4 1/3 innings.
Astros starters have been unable to work at least six innings for seven consecutive games, posting an 8.01 ERA in that span. The bullpen has picked up the slack for the most part and didn’t allow a run on Wednesday, though lefty Kevin Chapman gave up a two-run double to Brandon Guyer — pinch-hitting for Tyler Naquin — in the fifth to put the Indians ahead, 6-3.
“It’s tough,” Hinch said. “With no Harris, no ‘Devo,’ no Feliz, the middle innings are tough. Obviously, looking back … the at-bat against Naquin, I …
