Astros Spring Training Stock Watch: Week 1

Mar 6, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez (30) is unable to field a hit during a spring training baseball game against St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Down

Matt Dominguez: He’s batting .222 through the first week of the spring. Although it’s only in nine at-bats, he needs to turn it around with the pressure “The Beast” is putting on him.

Dan Straily: Two runs with four hits in two innings of work isn’t a big reason to panic, but it is when you have Wojo pitching very well in the fight for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Alex White: There was a little bit of talk behind White when he originally came over a couple years ago, and he’s been injury plagued in his time in AAA. Now with a couple of pitching spots open, he failed to impress in his first matchup giving up four runs in one-third of an inning. He’ll need to turn it around, and fast, to be considered for the long relief role, or even the fifth spot in the rotation.

Darin Downs: Two earned runs in one inning of work instantly puts him at the back of the race for the second left-handed spot out of the bullpen behind Joe Thatcher and Kevin Chapman.

Before my final thoughts, let’s look at some other players who didn’t have a great first week, but didn’t necessarily see their stock drop due to having a 99% chance in being on the team.

Next: Final Thoughts