Astros: The suddenly reliable Mike Fiers strikes again

Mad props to the Astros best starter at the moment with Fiers good effort last night, despite the lost.

The Houston Astros lost the game last night versus the Boston Red Sox, but it wasn’t really Mike Fiers fault. The Red Sox are in the top six offenses in the American League, and Fiers limited them to one run in seven innings. Fiers has been very productive since he was temporarily removed from the rotation. Maybe a slap in the face was what Fiers needed to get on track.

Fiers lowered his ERA to an even 4.00 with his effort last night. Over his first seven starts this season, Fiers was 4-3 with a 5.75 ERA while allowing 16 homers. Over the next six games, Fiers has a 2.25 ERA while allowing only two homers. His resurgence happened at an opportune time with Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Charlie Morton, and Collin McHugh all on the DL.

A little help from a friend!

A veterans role on a team is to help teach the younger kids to play baseball better. That’s the role that Carlos Beltran has taken on this season. However, one semi-veteran has learned from a young up-and-coming star. That would be McCullers teaching the older Fiers a trick or two. McCullers, one of the pioneers in the game of relying heavily on the curveball, helped Fiers.

With Fiers learning how to throw his curveball better, it makes his other pitches better. It also looks like Fiers had changed his delivery back to his 2015 form. No matter how you feel about Fiers, he hasn’t allowed a homer in his past four starts. He has also pitched six, five, 7 1/3, and seven innings in his past four starts. He has also allowed two walks or less in the past three games.

Fiers limited the Rex Sox offense!

Fiers held his own last night with the help of some great defense to limit the damage. Not that I want Fiers pitching game three in a potential playoff series. However, he would fit good as a Brad Peacock long reliever type or an MLB arm as part of a trade package.

Next: Astros Countdown: Top Five Road Warriors in 2017

With David Paulino on the mound tonight, the bullpen is a little more rested because of Fiers going seven innings last night. Talking Stros will be broadcasting on SportsTalk 790 prior to tonight’s game, 5:30-6:30 pm from MMP. Come say hi. Go Astros!

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***