Astros: Fresno Player Spotlight- The New Pitchers

Brian Holmes

Drafted in the 13th round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, Holmes has gone under the radar in his first five seasons in the Astros system. With a career ERA of 3.57 with a WHIP of 1.22, his stats will not blow any major league scout away. With expectations low, Holmes has a perfect opportunity to succeed at Fresno.

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As Holmes has moved up through the organization, it has taken him awhile to adjust to the level he is at. For example, when he was called up to Single-A Lancaster in 2014, he had a 4.55 ERA in 20 appearances. Then, when he came back to Lancaster in 2015, he had a 2.37 ERA in seven appearances, earning a call-up to Double-A Corpus Christi.

After struggling in 2015, Holmes pitched very well for the Hooks in 2016. In seven appearances, including four starts, Holmes had a record of 4-2 with a 3.73 ERA and a WHIP of 1.26.

Like Cotton, Holmes has struggled with getting runners on base. In his Double-A career, he has averaged 9.8 hits and 3.3 walks per nine innings. He did have higher strikeout numbers, averaging about a strikeout per inning.

When he was called up to Fresno on August 4th, Holmes came out of the bullpen and struggled. In one inning of work, he allowed three earned runs on four hits, including a home run.

Holmes is going to have to settle into Fresno as he has in every other level he has been in. Once he gets comfortable, we will see how high his ceiling really is.

Next: Albert Minnis