The 2019 American League Cy Young Award winner has pitched in two simulated games since the Astros convened for Summer Camp on July 3 after undergoing groin surgery March 17. He struck out six in five scoreless innings on Tuesday, throwing 67 pitches. He is expected face hitters again on Sunday before the team leaves for Kansas City to play two exhibition games against the Royals.
While not etched in stone, Baker said Lance McCullers Jr. is currently in line to start the second game of the season over Zack Greinke.
"It hurt Greinke (Sunday) when we couldn't workout, that was his throw day, and so right now we feel that McCullers is probably further ahead than Greinke at this time."
Astros pitching coach Brent Strom said Greinke threw a 67-pitch bullpen on Monday and Baker says he expects him to pitch in a simulated game on Thursday or Friday.
Josh James, who joined the Astros Monday following the birth of his daughter will pitch in Thursday's simulated game and start Tuesday in Kansas City, which would put him in line to start the Astros third game of the season.