Ronel Blanco

France underwent surgery last July to repair a capsule tear in his right shoulder which carried a 12-14 month return timetable. The additional clarity on his recovery timeline puts him back in Houston's rotation mix at some point during the second half. The -year-old righty has resumed a throwing program and is expected to progress long-tossing this week. With Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti locked into rotation spots, it'll likely be Hayden Wesneski opening the year as the Astros' fifth starter until some combination of Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr. or France are ready to return.