What It Means:

Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters on Tuesday that Pruitt was "ailing," but he didn't provide an explanation. The right-hander had potentially been in the mix to replace Jose Urquidy (undisclosed) in the Astros' rotation to start the year. He will likely operate out of the bullpen instead. Pruitt recorded career-highs in ERA (4.40) and strikeout percentage (20.2) over 47 innings (14 appearances, two starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

numberFire's models expect Pruitt to record a 3.45 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 83 strikeouts and 18 walks over 70 1/3 innings this season.