Astros Option Reliable Starter Jason Alexander to Minors

Crowded rotation leaves no room for Alexander despite his strong spring performance

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Houston Astros have optioned right-handed pitcher Jason Alexander to the minor leagues, despite his impressive showing in spring training. Alexander, who provided valuable starts for the Astros last season when the rotation was hit by injuries, has pitched well this spring but will begin the season in Triple-A due to the team's current depth in the starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Astros have a surplus of talented starting pitchers, which is a good problem to have, but it means they have to make tough decisions about their roster. Alexander proved his worth last season and will likely be called upon again at some point this year, but the team feels their current rotation is strong enough that they can afford to start him in the minors.

The details

Alexander, 33, recorded a 3.66 ERA in 71⅓ innings last season, including 13 starts. After a rough initial outing this spring, he has thrown five straight scoreless innings. However, the Astros' rotation of Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows is currently healthy, leaving no room for Alexander on the major league roster. The team plans to use a six-man rotation to start the season due to a stretch of 26 games in 28 days, and they feel confident that Alexander can provide valuable depth in Triple-A if needed.

  • On Sunday, the Astros announced they were optioning Alexander to the minor leagues.
  • Last season, Alexander was called up in July and stuck around for the rest of the year after the Astros' rotation was devastated by injuries.

The players

Jason Alexander

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher who provided valuable starts for the Astros last season when their rotation was hit by injuries.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

Hunter Brown

One of the Astros' starting pitchers who is currently healthy and part of the team's rotation.

Cristian Javier

One of the Astros' starting pitchers who is currently healthy and part of the team's rotation.

Tatsuya Imai

One of the Astros' starting pitchers who is currently healthy and part of the team's rotation.

Mike Burrows

One of the Astros' starting pitchers who is currently healthy and part of the team's rotation.

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What they’re saying

“It's just how many good arms we have in camp. We are putting him in the line of defense if something happens in our rotation in the major leagues, we have a really good group of pitchers in Triple-A that can come and help us. We have some long stretches of games and we're going to need a six-man rotation, and Jason fits right in. The job he did last year, incredible job. He picked us up for a few months. We know how efficient he is. We felt when he got on the mound, he gave us a chance to win.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager (Houston Chronicle)

“I'm just focused on me and helping the team win. Whatever helps the team win. I think competition's always great. We have a very good team and nothing is ever guaranteed so just work for everything.”

— Jason Alexander (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros plan to use a six-man rotation to start the season due to a stretch of 26 games in 28 days, and they feel confident that Alexander can provide valuable depth in Triple-A if needed.

The takeaway

The Astros' decision to option Jason Alexander to the minors despite his strong spring performance highlights the team's impressive depth in starting pitching. While Alexander proved his worth last season, the Astros feel they can afford to start him in Triple-A given their current rotation options, knowing they can call on him again if needed during the long season ahead.