text: Chris Devenski ready to embrace relief role for Astros
  1of24Chris Devenski's 2016 ERA of 2.16 was fourth in the majors among pitchers logging at least 100 innings. He likely will start the season in the Astros' bullpen.Karen Warren/Staff PhotographerShow MoreShow Less
  2of24WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 6: Chris Devenski #47 of the Houston Astros throw the ball against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Astros and Red Sox played to a 5-5 tie.Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
  4of24Houston Astros relief pitcher Chris Devenski (47) works against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 6, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
  5of24Houston Astros relief pitcher Chris Devenski (47) throws in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Monday, March 6, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --- They say actions speak louder than words and though Astros manager A.J. Hinch hasn't definitely declared it, it's quite clear Chris Devenski will begin the regular season back in the bullpen.
  Stretched out as a starter early in the Grapefruit League schedule, Devenski has been limited to only two innings in each of his last two spring outings. The Astros are still keeping the righthander's pitch count up in the 40s as an insurance policy, but their rotation is for the most part healthy with less than two weeks until opening day.
  "I feel good about it," Devenski said of the relief role, in which he had a 1.61 ERA in 83 2/3 innings last season. "I know that starting (possibility) is still open, (in a) spot start or whatever's best for the team. But I've been doing my thing out of the bullpen and it feels good."
  Devenski reiterated on Monday he will pitch in "whatever situation that I'm called upon." Although he's targeted for the opening day bullpen, he could be needed as a starter during the season in the event of injuries.
  He made five starts for the Astros last year, including one during a doubleheader.
  After allowing a combined seven runs over 4 1/3 innings in his two Grapefruit League starts, Devenski has logged seven scoreless innings over three consecutive relief appearances. He is next scheduled to pitch on Friday.