Houston Astros Countdown: Top Five “Sixth” Men for A.J. Hinch

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Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Chris Devenski (right) celebrates with catcher Brian McCann after the final out to defeat the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Chris Devenski? There are multiple right answers.

One could be that he is unhittable. With a 0.65 WHIP, Devenski has only given up ten hits in his 23 innings pitched this year. He has an opposing batting average of .125.

Another could be that he is nasty. With a mid-90’s fastball and a devastating changeup, the best pitch on the Astros roster right now, he has struck out 42 batters in 23 innings, walking only five.

“The dude, he’s an animal.” The story of “The Dragon,” the #Astros’ Chris Devenski. https://t.co/ZjubtpWrpU
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 12, 2017

In this case, the most important aspect of Devenski’s game is durability. He has thrown 23 innings in only 12 appearances this season. Coming up in the system as a starter, he has proved he can be counted on for multiple innings per game. Eight of his 12 appearances have been for more than one inning of work, including back-to-back appearances to start the year of four innings.

That amount of time on the mound does not seem to affect his stuff either. In his last two outings, he has thrown 3.1 hitless innings, walking two and striking out seven in those two games.

As of now, opposing hitters have not been able to figure out Devenski out of the bullpen. Until then, he will continue to be one of the best late-inning weapons in the American League.

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