Houston Astros add to their bullpen depth w/Danny Reynolds

Houston Astros claim Danny Reynolds from the Dodgers

The Houston Astros had three open spots on the 40-man roster, so you figured some moves were to be made. The Astros did one of those moves by claiming a Double-A reliever Danny Reynolds from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Haven’t heard of him, that makes two of us. What does this move mean for the bullpen in 2016? Let’s take a look at his stats from the minor leagues.

Reynolds 24 was drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 draft from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim out of Durango High School in Los Vegas, Nevada. Reynold failed a drug test in 2012 and served a 50-game suspension as it was his second violation. He was added to the Angels 40-man roster in November of 2014, but he was claimed on waivers by the Dodgers December 7th this year. The Dodgers needed another roster spot, so they put him on waivers again, and he was claimed by the Astros today.

He obviously has potential that other teams see, which is why two other teams wanted him. Reynolds has bounced around from the bullpen and rotation in his six seasons in the minors. His most recent experience has been out of the bullpen, which he has spent the last two seasons doing. Reynolds has seen time at Triple-A but was moved back to Double-A last year where he stayed the entire season.

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As he has gained more experience, his strikeout ability increased, but a side effect was that so did his walk rate. He throws in the mid-90s, according to an article from Halos Heaven. This article was from 2014, but at the time, it seemed like Reynolds was getting his career back on track.

Let’s take a look at his stats from 2015 at Double-A.

2-3/ 4.57 ERA/ 10 saves/ 10.4 strikeout per 9 innings/ 5.8 walks per 9 innings/ 1.413 WHIP

The ERA in Double-A is not that appealing over 43 innings, but the 50 strikeouts shows that he has the ability to miss bats. With the high walk percentage, he could be one of those Mitch Williams (Wild-Thing) type of pitchers he will drive managers crazy.

Would he make the opening day roster for the Astros, probably not? However, what he represents is depth for the bullpen should the Astros need it in 2016. The truth is, the Astros may let him go like the Dodgers did if a better option presents itself. He offers a potential right-handed flame-thrower that the Astros can have on stand by, so welcome to Houston Danny!

Next: Astros Holiday Miracle: If they lock up Carlos Correa for 12 years

I have to bring up the success that Jeff Luhnow has had will waiver claims recently, maybe Reynolds is next great find for the Astros.

**Stats from Baseball-Reference**