Dallas Keuchel’s Last Start Could Determine 2014 Job Status


Dallas Keuchel

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

In the few good things that have come out of the 2013 season for the Houston Astros is the few starting pitchers that have emerged as being probable quality members of future rotations. Whether or not the rotation of 2014 will include Dallas Keuchel could have been determined by his start against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. There have been good signs from Keuchel but lately he has struggled quite a bit. His outing against the Rangers had a lot on the line for him and it went well except for one inning.

The five spot that the Rangers put up on him in the fourth inning is sure to leave a negative mark on his outlook for next season. He seems to have all the tools but there is some bit of inconsistency in his performance that could hurt his future rotation chances. Because that stat went badly the only good thing he has going for him is a seven inning outing last time out when he gave up seven hits and only one run.

If it were up to me I would say that he has some work to do in order to prove himself to the club. He should plan to come to spring training next season with little guaranteed of his spot with the team, assuming he is invited just as normal to camp. Chances are he has a few things that he will be able to work on through the offseason that would assist him in being more consistent. If he can make those seven inning, low run outings the norm instead of the exception, he would be a staple in someone’s rotation for a long time.

David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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