Odorizzi on pace to start vs. Tigers

Jake Odorizzi is primed to join the Astros’ starting rotation during the upcoming three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, general manager James Click intimated Thursday.

Because he signed with Houston two weeks into spring training, Odorizzi was unable to build up quickly enough to break camp with the major league team. The veteran righthander is working at the Astros’ alternate training site in Corpus Christi.

He threw 75 pitches across five innings during a simulated game Saturday.

On Thursday afternoon, Odorizzi started an exhibition game in Round Rock against the Texas Rangers’ alternate training site players — the final step before he’s ready to join the major league rotation. He threw 90 pitches over 52⁄3 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs.

“Usually, when you ask him how it’s going, he says, ‘I’m right where I need to be,’ ” said Click, who overlapped with Odorizzi during their time with Tampa Bay. “He’s obviously a veteran and knows how to get his body ready for a season. Knowing that he is where he needs to be gives us all the confidence in the world.”

Though the Astros have not revealed which game Odorizzi will start against the Tigers, Tuesday’s contest is logical if Odorizzi wishes to stay on a typical five-day schedule. Barring an injury beforehand, Odorizzi’s arrival will mark the end of either Brandon Bielak’s or Luis Garcia’s tenure on the club. Odorizzi will take Garcia’s spot in the Astros’ rotation.