Astros: Solomon dominates in first game since Tommy John

Houston Astros’ prospect pitching and Steve Cishek held the Miami Marlins to four runs on Wednesday, after a tough start from Jose Urquidy that led to three runs over two and a third innings pitched. Right-hander Peter Solomon stood out the most, as he struck out three batters in his first game since Tommy John surgery in June of 2019.

The right-hander is one of the four prospect pitchers currently on the 40-man roster that has not made his major league debut yet. Solomon went two innings, throwing 31 pitches (19 strikes), while also giving up one hit.

What does Peter Solomon’s strong start mean for the Astros?

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While possibly losing Framber Valdez for the season due to a finger injury and also losing Forrest Whitley to Tommy John surgery, the Astros will have to look towards their 40-man arms for depth. The rotation is nothing like it once was; the dominant All-Star pitchers are a thing of the past, and while the offense will need to produce a lot of runs, developing prospect pitchers should be at the top of the list for the organization.

The Astros do have three experienced pitchers at the frontend of their rotation, but a surplus of arms will be needed for slumps and injuries. The 2017 fourth-round pick will have to replicate these numbers to keep his route to the majors alive. Solomon, now 24-years-old, has a career ERA of 2.30 in the minor leagues but has never pitched past A+ due Tommy John and the cancellation of the ’20 MiLB due to the pandemic. His slider, changeup and four-seam fastball were ranging from the low-80s to the mid-90s, while his slider was topping out at 90 mph.

Most of his career has been out of the pen, but Solomon can start or open games when needed almost like a Collin McHugh or Brad Peacock situation. As a high strike out rate pitcher, the right-hander would be the needed long reliever for the future.

The Astros are back on the field tomorrow against the New York Mets at 5:05 p.m. at home with Zack Greinke scheduled to start. The team also announced that they will move forward with allowing fans into games at Minute Maid Park through stages, and not a full 100% on Opening Day like the Texas Rangers.