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Astros: Three Underperformers Thus Far in 2017

By Cody Poage

Apr 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros manager A.J. Hitch address the media after the game against the Oakland Athletics is postponed due to rain at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros manager A.J. Hitch address the media after the game against the Oakland Athletics is postponed due to rain at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (44) pitches during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Struggling Player #2: Luke Gregerson

One of the presumed strengths of the Astros is their bullpen depth. Between the likes of Gregerson, Ken Giles, Will Harris, and Devenski, there isn’t much to like on paper. However, the early season results do not always meet the hype. Let’s take Gregerson as an example.

In 7.1 innings, the right-handed reliever has posted a -0.2 WAR entering yesterday. Sure, it is not the same level as Sam Dyson of the Texas Rangers, who has a -0.4 WAR. But anytime a pitcher posts a negative WAR then there is an issue.

Oh, you don’t like WAR as a metric? Fine, I have a few more for you. Let’s use Gregerson’s lackluster 7.36 ERA and 6.04 FIP. Or his xFIP of 8.52. Then you have the 28.6% HR/FB rate. Um, yeah, the month of April hasn’t been kind to Gregerson as of late.

The Astros will obviously need an effective Gregerson to play up to their full potential in 2017. And there is little indication that it won’t happen. Don’t forget that Gregerson had a rough month or so last season as well. But his struggles are still something to watch going forward.

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