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Astros Minor League Spotlight: Cy Sneed

By Andrew Gleinser

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 06: The Houston Astros logo is seen on the centerfield wall before game two of the American League Division Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 6, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 06: The Houston Astros logo is seen on the centerfield wall before game two of the American League Division Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 6, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Time to shine a light on Astros‘ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies pitcher Cy Sneed.

Righthander Cy Sneed is the focus of this week’s spotlight thanks to his excellent performance last Friday. He tossed eight shutout innings to improve to 5-2 on the season. He’s beginning to make his mark in Triple-A as he works to reach the bigs.

The Stats

Sneed was a third-round draft pick by the Brewers in 2014, coming to Houston in the Jonathan Villar trade in November 2015. He was coming off a strong first full professional season, posting a 2.58 ERA across two Class-A stops.

He spent all of 2016 at Double-A Corpus Christi, pitching to a 4.04 ERA in 118 innings. 2017 did not go well, however, as he posted a 5.01 ERA in 97 Double-A innings and an 11.21 ERA in four Triple-A starts.

Sneed has improved dramatically this season for Fresno. Across his first eight starts and two relief appearances, he’s pitched to a 3.68 ERA in 51.1 innings. He’s gone at least five innings in each of his starts and allowed no runs in four of his starts. Aside from a rough 10-run outing on May 1, he’s been both consistent and effective.

The Outlook

The door may be opening for Sneed to get a taste of the big leagues. Both Francis Martes and David Paulino are currently on the disabled list, and Sneed’s performance so far this season is turning some heads. Should the Astros need to call up a starting pitcher, it could be a choice between Sneed and Rogelio Armenteros.

At age 25, he’s a bit older than the typical prospect, but he still has time to establish himself. It he can continue his strong performance so far this season, he could position himself for a call-up to the Astros. He could also become trade bait if the Astros need to make a move at the trade deadline.

Next: Astros: A disappointing finish to a road trip

Either way, Sneed’s stock is rising with each impressive start. He’s a name worth keeping an eye on.

***Statistics courtesy of MiLB.com***