Houston Astros:  Early Spring Training Winners/Losers

LOSERS

Jon Singleton (1B) – .103 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB  – The past two years, Singleton has been given ample opportunities to secure a spot at first base.  Batting .171 in his MLB career has not given much confidence to the organization about him being the future at first base.  The poor start to the spring only magnifies his struggles, and with the superb play of his competition, Singleton may again find himself in AAA.

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Max Stassi (C) – .125 AVG, 1 R – Stassi did not necessarily have a losing camp because of performance, but because his spring is already done.  Stassi sustained a broken bone in his hand and will most likely be out until May.  This is very unfortunate as he had the inside track for the backup catcher job.  Now Houston will look to other catchers in camp such as Tyler Heineman or Roberto Pena, or possibly grab someone off waivers to fill the spot.

Dan Straily (P) – 3 IP, 15.00 ERA, .467 Opp BA – Straily is out of options, and might be running out of time to make the club.  He is battling for a long relief/spot start position and is presently behind several names including Brad Peacock and Wandy Rodriguez.  There is a good chance Straily is playing with another club this year.

Next: Houston Astros: A Prediction of the Opening Day Batting Order

There is still a bit over three weeks of spring ball left, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.  Jeff Luhnow and Hinch will need to get creative in their analysis of the young talent that the Astros have accumulated, but the options are plentiful and promising.

**Stats from Baseball-Reference**