Astros: Three Pitchers Trending Up in Spring Training

Wait, what is the Astros Spring Training record? But why should anyone care?

One of the key strengths about the Astros as an organization has been their depth. All healthy organizations need that depth not only to replenish the major league roster, but also use it in trades to supplement the major league roster. As we can attest to in recent years, Jeff Luhnow and Houston’s front office hasn’t been afraid to rely upon that depth.

Thus far in Spring Training, we receive glimpses of the Astros confidence in their prospects, especially on the pitching side. While names like Forrest Whitley and Corbin Martin have become popular among the fans, let’s take a look at three other pitchers who are trending up in camp.

Trending Up: Akeem Bostick

Acquired by the Astros in the summer of 2015 from the Rangers for catcher Carlos Corporan, Bostick has slowly climbed the organizational ladder. Although Spring Training stats don’t mean much of anything, it is encouraging to see a young pitcher like Bostick perform well.

4 2/3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO in 3 games

Only 23-years old, Bostick is likely going to end up starting the 2019 season in Triple-A Round Rock. But he is one reason why the Astros farm system, especially on the pitcher side, looks deep.

Trending Up: J.B. Bukauskas

Talking about pitching depth, Bukauskas is viewed as a potential building block in either the rotation or bullpen. Regardless of his long-term fit, it is nice to see the former first round pick start Spring Training on a strong note, especially in light of his experience last year.

4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO in 2 games

The 22-year old right-hander will likely start the upcoming season with Double-A Corpus Christi, but he could move up quickly as he continues to progress. The long-term fit for Bukauskas will be something to watch, especially when he makes the eventual jump to Triple-A.

Trending Up: Wade Miley

With 60 percent of last season’s starting rotation experiencing turnover, the Astros were probably wise in signing Miley to a one-year, $4.5 million contract this offseason. While it is a low-risk signing, Houston does need Miley to show that his improvement was not a one-year wonder. So far in Spring Training, the left-hander’s results have been encouraging.

4 2/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 SO in 2 games

The Astros are hoping Miley can replicate his success last year with the Brewers, where he posted a 2.52 ERA in 80 2/3 innings. Even if he regresses to a 3.50-4.00 ERA in 2019, Houston likely won’t complain considering the rotation turnover during the offseason.