Astros name surprise Game 3 starter due to Zack Greinke injury

Zack Greinke will not start in Game 3 for the Astros

The Houston Astros have once again reached into their bag of tricks in October, as they stand just one win away from their fourth consecutive ALCS appearance. While Zack Greinke’s stable veteran presence has helped right the ship in turbulent times, an injury has forced him out of a game against the Oakland Athletics in which they could finally clinch that decisive third victory.

Dusty Baker confirmed that Greinke’s sore arm will prevent him from making the start against Oakland in Game 3. Baker will turn to 25-year-old Jose Urquidy to try and put the A’s away for good and send Houston to the ALCS.

Jose Urquidy, who will step in for Zack Greinke, has been pitching very well for Houston in 2020

Urquidy made just five regular-season starts, but he managed a 2.73 ERA in just under 30 innings. The 25-year-old, who played well in the World Series last year, proved that Houston can, and should, rely on him during the Wild Card matchup against the Minnesota Twins. Urquidy gave up just two hits and one run in 4.1 innings as the Astros advanced to a matchup against Oakland.

Baker cited the fact Greinke “hasn’t been himself” over his last few starts in addition to Urquidy’s standout pitching as factors that made it an “easy choice” to put Urquidy out there for what could be the clinching Game 3. Urquidy might have just 12 regular-season starts under his belt, but his postseason experience should make Astros fans much less nervous.

The likes of Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers will grab the headlines, but any team foolish enough to overlook Urquidy in the postseason usually comes back to regret it. If his breaking ball is working, that could seal Oakland’s fate.