Astros Spotlight: Dean Deetz

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 11: First base depicting the Houston Astros throwback logo at Minute Maid Park on August 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 11: First base depicting the Houston Astros throwback logo at Minute Maid Park on August 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Astros recently called up right-hander Dean Deetz as the rosters expand in September.

The 24-year-old was drafted in the 11th round in 2014 by the Astros out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He started the year out in High-A Quad City and moved his way up into Triple-A Fresno. He came up as a starter last year, but due to his 80 game PED suspension, he got moved to the bullpen. Deetz is one of the September call-ups alongside Grizzlies teammate J.D. Davis.

Scouting Report

The righty has an upper 90’s fastball and a power 10-4 spin slider that helped suggested he is primed for a bullpen role and he has always struggled with command and control issues. Deetz has a 3/4 delivery that allows his fastball to cut in on right-handed batters. He has the ability to be a dominant setup man or closer in the big leagues. He has worked on his control issues and has begun to use max effort on every pitch.

The Stats

In the minors, Deetz has a 3.52 career ERA, and he has held opponents to a .222 BA. This year Deetz has been dominant for the Fresno Grizzlies. He has 34 IP, 34.5 strikeout percentage, has a .079 ERA, and during that span, he has held opposing hitters to a .191 ERA. Deetz has been almost unhittable this year and served as the go-to guy out of the pen. In his last ten games, he has only allowed one run in 17.2 innings pitched.

Overview

With the injury to setup man Hector Rondon, Deetz may get to see some time in that role for the Astros. Deetz comes into the Astros bullpen as one of the harder throwers and can be a high strikeout pitcher for the Astros. He can help contribute right away to a team that is 3.5 games ahead of Oakland. His major debut, albeit short, was a success.

Astros: Justin Verlander starts September on a good note. dark. Next

The Astros are in the stretch run, and Deetz has the opportunity to help this team win. However, Deetz is not eligible for the playoffs due to his earlier suspension. His call-up can be seen as a tryout for the big league team next year, and if he continues to impress, he can be a bright spot in the bullpen going forward.