HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- The Astros have discussed the possibility of using Zack Greinke out of the bullpen when the playoffs start next week, manager Dusty Baker said on Tuesday.
"He's very open to it," Baker said. "That was something that we had talked about and it may be his idea to try to help us out here because he's not stretched out to start, so that's a distinct possibility."
Currently on the IL with a sore neck, Greinke has made just two starts this month. Before his neck landed him on the IL Friday, Greinke missed two weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. He struggled in both September outings, allowing 12 earned runs in nine innings against the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Greinke hasn't appeared in a game out of the bullpen since August 20, 2007, but Baker believes having someone of Greinke's stature as part of his relief core could be beneficial during postseason play.
"During playoff time you want as many veterans as possible, plus, I've just noticed over the years that guys that mix it up where the hitters are really amped up, it's to their advantage."
Greinke has held opponents to a 3.50 ERA over his last seven playoff starts, while allowing two or fewer runs in five of those six outings, so Baker believes he could provide a boost.
"You see how he's pitched in postseason, especially one or two times through the order, so as long as he's ready, had enough time to warm up, then he can be very valuable."
Baker said Greinke could make a rehab in Sugar Land on Thursday, which would likely be his final outing before the playoffs begin.