UPDATE: The Astros have announced that Alex White will undergo Tommy John surgery, reports Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. The surgery will be performed by renowned specialist Dr. James Andrews and is expected to take place sometime during the next week, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com
ORIGINAL: While nothing is official, Houston Astros right-handed starting pitcher Alex White is "starting to accept" the idea of undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery, according to Brian T. Smith of The Houston Chronicle.
Crawfish Boxes: Is Houston's lineup built to be no-hit?
White was on track to become the Astros' No. 4 starter this season until an elbow injury derailed him this spring. The 24-year-old was recently placed on Houston's 60-day disabled list with what was termed a strained elbow. Smith reiterates that nothing has been set, as alternatives continue to be considered.
Astros rumors: Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell trade unlikely
The Astros are unlikely to move starters Bud Norris and Lucas Harrell. The Astros acquired White from the Colorado Rockies over the winter along with Alex Gillingham in exchange for reliever Wilton Lopez. It was the second time the former first-round pick was traded in the past two years, as the Rockies acquired him along with several other top prospects -- including Drew Pomeranz -- from the Cleveland Indians in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal.
White appeared in 23 games -- including 20 starts -- for the Rockies last season, posting an ERA of 5.51 over 98 innings. He's struggled during him brief stay in the majors, maintaining a 6.03 ERA with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.33 over parts of two seasons.
