I did say "almost" ready.
I'm actually okay with Houck being a 4/5 SP'er, if we have a strong pen with several long men that would allow us to yank Houck after 18 batters, every start.
Whitlock should never start another game, even in an emergency, unless as an opener.
IMO, Whitlock should have 2 other long men in the pen with him- 2 from Houck, Pivetta and Crawford.
Another key component of limiting Houck's innings a s a SP'er, is that we absolutely need an ace that can go 175+ IP. (I think 2, but not I doubt that will happen.)
Our pen can be our biggest strength, if we don't overload it and keep robbing from it our best long men.