Free agency could savage the HOU rotation, as uber-prospect Forrest Whitley looks to rebound from two lost seasons. Pitching issues dominate the entire AL West as we look forward to 2020.

Only eight strong starts on Thursday, headed by Mike Clevinger.

Andrew Velazquez (pictured) and Mike Freeman should see duty with Jason Kipnis out for the final two weeks. Plus, updates on Felipe Vazquez, Anthony Rizzo, Corey Dickerson, Blake Snell, Garrett Richards, Stephen Piscotty and more.

HIGH FIVE: Cole owns a 23% SwK over his last 5 GS.

Yu Darvish is a top-rated starting pitcher for his home start versus the Reds.

Michael Hermosillo and Taylor Ward will share time in LF over the next two weeks for LAA. Plus, Matt Adams day-to-day, Charlie Culberson's season is over, and no timetable for Addison Russell.

Looking for help across the board in DET; better times ahead in KC; will injuries stop the streak in CLE? Plus, a strong combination of growth and prospects for CHW, and can they hold on in MIN?

Rizzo, Bell, Fiers, and LaStella are all in danger of being done. Trout is done, with some risk for 2020. Earlier: Yelich, Ohtani, Hill, Senzel, Camargo. Not much good news for any of them. Earlier: Trout could be back soon, and maybe Bryant, too. Javy Baez is likely done, and Moronta has a steep road to recovery.

Stephen Strasburg, Sonny Gray, John Means, and Steven Matz headline a shallow Strong Start tier.

It should be a good week for Oakland hitters as they face KC and TEX pitching staffs. Set your lineups accordingly.

Stephen Strasburg lines up for two starts this week, including one against the lowly Marlins.