Zack Greinke is feeling good going into his fifth career Opening Day start.
Not that Greinke cares about starting Opening Day, but it does symbolize how much the Astros will rely on him this season.
The former Cy Young winner is by far the most accomplished pitcher on the staff, with Justin Verlander sidelined and recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Greinke's hoping this season is better than 2020, which he's been candid about not having fun due to the COVID-19 restrictions limiting access to family members.
And he tailed off toward the end of the season after starting strong in his first five starts. He dropped to a 5.73 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in his final seven outings, after starting with a 1.84 ERA and .089 WHIP in his first five starts.
The Astros did not expect to play 2020 without Verlander until after the opener. This season, they know Greinke will lead the rotation.
Pitching coach Brent Strom told reporters Tuesday he sees more life through Greinke's pitches, and that his spirits have been up in spring training after a tough 2020.
"I expect a big year out of this guy," Strom said. "I really do. And I know he wants to go deep in games and I'm hoping we give him that opportunity."
Greinke said last week he feels pretty good about his curveball and fastball, though command on his changeup was a little off. He wants to stay sharp and minimize mistakes.
"Feeling healthy. I've got a lot of endurance, stuff's pretty sharp and command's pretty good," Greinke said. "I'm pretty happy with my command, just would like my stuff to be a tad sharper and maybe it'll happen when the real games come."
That real game comes Thursday when the Astros visit the Oakland Athletics for Opening Day. Greinke will face A's righty Chris Bassitt, who had a breakout 2020 season with a 1.159 WHIP and 2.29 ERA.
