Astros: First round of cuts from camp announced

The first round of cuts from the Astros’ camp has finally been announced.

Spring training is forever linked to hope eternal. Every team and player feels like they have a chance to compete. Unlike the hope constant, however, cuts from the major league camp are a bitter reality. Let’s just say certain Astros have felt this sting on this most recent Wednesday morning.

Quite frankly, there is little of actual surprise from Wednesday’s cuts. The players cut today didn’t have much, if any chance, of making the major league roster. Most, if not all, were likely invited to the major league camp just to watch and observe. It’s only the truth. No shame in it.

That said, I feel obliged to inform you about how these players performed. Some of the results were encouraging.

• Cionel Perez: 4 IP, 2 H, R, BB, SO, 0.00 ERA

• Randy Cesar: 2-for-11, 2 H, RBI, 4 SO

• Drew Ferguson: 0-for-8, R, 2 BB, 3 SO, HBP

• Alejandro Garcia: 1-for-12, R, RBI, SO

• Jamie Ritchie: 3-for-7, 3 SO

• Myles Straw: 3-for-10, 4 R, 2B, RBI, BB, SO, SB

• Nick Tanielu: 2-for-8, SO

• Framber Valdez: 6.1 IP, 7 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 SO, 1.42 ERA

Perhaps the most surprising cut, if I can call it that, was Valdez, a left-handed pitcher. While the age-24 pitcher has a career 3.76 ERA in the minors, he did show promise in camp. He was on the outside looking in, yet the timing of the cut was slightly intriguing. The Astros are likely focusing on Tony Sipp, Buddy Boshers, and Reymin Guduan for the LOOGY role in the bullpen from here on out.

Next: Battle for first base is heating up

The remaining players cut from big league camp was of little surprise. There is just no room to carry them longer without costing these players plate appearances and innings. It won’t be an easy task to earn playing time on this roster now or in the future.

**Statistics and information courtesy of Baseball-Reference**