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A key fixture in the Astros’ rotation didn’t exactly have a stellar or terrible day under the Florida sun. It was alright.
Dallas Keuchel somewhat struggled in his 2018 spring debut. In other news, spring training stats rarely matter.
I could end my post after those two sentences. Keuchel’s start, on the surface, means little. If you know an individual that makes a big fuss out of this one Grapefruit League start, well, they don’t truly pay attention to baseball.
Alas, it’s time to circle back to Keuchel. I should actually break down his start. There could be something there. Or not.
The Astros’ bearded southpaw allowed only two runs in 1.2 innings of work. However, his pitch count was rather high in the first inning following a strikeout of former Houston outfielder, Cameron Maybin.
Cameron Maybin, who was on the field when the Astros won the World Series, was struck out by Keuchel with the bases loaded to end the first inning. Keuchel threw 28 pitches in the first.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 5, 2018
Keuchel didn’t surrender any runs in the first inning, so maybe he could hold it down to pitch through the second with little issues. Well, that didn’t happen.
In fact, Keuchel won't finish the second. Hinch pulling him with two outs after 45 pitches. Chris Devenski is on.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 5, 2018
At the end of his spring debut, Keuchel threw 45 pitches with mixed results. He allows four hits in total with a walk, which translated into two earned runs by the Marlins. On the plus side, Keuchel did strike out three batters.
Dallas Keuchel vs. Marlins: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 SO #Astros #AstrosST
— Astros Stats (@astro_numbers) March 5, 2018
Overall, it wasn’t a start to place much stock in going forward. It was just nice to see Keuchel on the mound again. The biggest news was actually the announcement of Justin Verlander being named the Opening Day starter for the Astros.
A.J. Hinch announces Justin Verlander has as the team's Opening Day starter while on TV today.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 5, 2018
Say what?!
Obviously this means Keuchel will be the starter on the second game of the season in Arlington. Credit to Keuchel for his response.
Keuchel on Verlander starting Opening Day: "I guess I'll let J.V. have Opening Day," he joked. pic.twitter.com/3xo2ZMXqDr
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 5, 2018
The news of Verlander being named the Opening Day starter isn’t earth shattering. And credit to Verlander for his response.
More Verlander: "I wasn't expecting it or hand't really thought about it, to be honest with you, but it's always an honor to have your name called. Obviously for this org. what Dallas has done & bringing in Cole, that's three guys that have started Opening Days. Pretty special."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 5, 2018
Next: Astros: Will anyone accept the qualifying offer next year?
The Astros have a talented rotation, which is why any decision is not all that controversial. Regardless, the Astros are in good shape heading towards to Opening Day. Once Keuchel completely shakes off the rust, the rotation will be one step closer to full strength.
**Statistics and information courtesy of MLB.com**