Astros Final Roster Spot, Jandel Gustave versus James Hoyt

The final guy.

The problem is, we are missing the other guy. Someone who is just a reliever. With three of the pitchers being able to pitch multiple innings, there could be a need a need for someone who could pitch daily. They need someone to fill the Pat Neshek role so that the Astros could turn to a young guy.

The possible options are Jandel Gustave, James Hoyt, or Reymin Guduan. Brad Peacock is out of options. There is a chance that the Astros could try to hold onto him. The question is, how long would they sacrifice stronger arms to carry Peacock. My guess is that the Astros put him on waivers and hope that he clears and can be sent to Triple-A. Peacock would also be another long-man type reliever.

Guduan is a left-handed power pitcher who could find his way on the 25-roster at some point. In three innings this Spring, he has five strikeouts with a 3.00 ERA. They one thing that raises a flag is his 2.00 WHIP, but it’s a relatively small sample size. He has yet to make his MLB debut. Guduan could use a little more time in Triple-A.

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Gustave and Hoyt on the other have MLB service. They both debuted in 2016 towards the end of the year, but Hoyt struggled initially. Hoyt ended up settling down a little with a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA in 2016. He did strike out 28 hitters in 22 MLB innings. This Spring in one inning, he has a 0.00 ERA with two strikeouts. A promising start, but still a small sample size.

My choice would be Gustave because Hinch and Jeff Luhnow have raved about him all offseason. He has already pitched in back-to-back games, through three innings, he has five strikeouts this Spring. Last year, he had a 3.52 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. This guy could be a huge asset to the team this year, but Hoyt isn’t getting any younger.

Next: Houston Astros’ Rotation news, McCullers, McHugh, and Keuchel

Hoyt is 30 going on 31. The Astros might want to capitalize on Hoyt before he’s out of his prime. There is a chance that A.J. Reed or Tony Kemp could be the 25th guy, but I’m fake betting on Gustave being the guy. Good luck to all, and it’s great to have competition.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference and MLB At Bat App***