Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros Farm Report: A.J. Reed heating up, Matt Duffy struggling

By Aric Cisneros

Mar 16, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher James Hoyt (65) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher James Hoyt (65) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Brad Peacock (41) throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Brad Peacock (41) throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Pitching

Brad Peacock remains the most consistent starting pitcher for the Grizzlies thus far, but it’s not saying all too much. Peacock has not allowed more than three runs in his first four outings and struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings in Tuesday’s loss. On the downside, the right-handed Peacock has allowed 14 hits and five walks over only 9 2/3 innings over his last two starts.

After throwing 11 2/3 scoreless innings to begin the season, Tommy Shirley allowed four runs in each of his last two starts. Shirley was a Round 9 pick in 2010 for the Astros and spent all of 2015 in Fresno where the 6’5″ lefty held a 3.07 ERA and 1.05 WHIP as a reliever.

James Hoyt (acquired from the Braves in the Evan Gattis trade) has pitched well as the Grizzlies primary closer this season. Through his first 11 appearances, Hoyt has allowed only three runs on seven hits while striking out 20 in only 12 1/3 innings. Hitters are hitting a paltry .171 against him early on.

Next: Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Series Preview

It’s worth noting that the Houston Astros’ 2015 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Joseph Musgrove, has been lights out in his first four outings for Double-A Corpus Christi. If Musgrove continues to pitch well, he may find himself in Fresno sooner than later.

**Statistics provided by MiLB.com & Baseball-Reference**