Altuve and Bregman's contracts end at the same time. Prospects 2nd base,D Lorenzo FCL, W Wagner AA, 3rd base, H Nieves FCL, J Williams Hi A, J Perez AA
WAGNER - It recalls the heady days of Lidge Dotel and Wagner and the best closing trio on our History.
I expect Altuve to get extended and for him to play another 3-4 years at least, so his replacement probably isn’t in the system yet. But Dauri Lorenzo and Alberto Hernandez are two names who might turn into everyday caliber 2B in a few years.
Edinson Batista walked five in his Asheville debut... but he also did not allow a hit or a run in his five innings of work. Tim Borden hit a two-run homer for his first professional home run; he finished 3-3 and also had a two-run single.
It isn’t likely a top priority for them. Altuve is 32 years old, with an OPS of almost .900 and on pace for 5 WAR. I think they are almost certain to add a Brantley caliber bat this winter, but Altuve is not going anywhere soon.
So If you are thinking about bringing up a pitcher next week when the rosters go to 28 who do you bring. Whitley and Paredes are already on the 40 man roster, their clocks have already been started. they both could be good in the back of the pen. Whitley could also be an opener or LR in a tandem. Browns clock has not started and he is already out of patience. There is still a chance to bring him up as a rookie next year and he could be eligible for ROY and the benefits that could bring the team. It is a tougher choice than it was just a few weeks ago.
Would bringing up Brown in September exhaust his rookie eligibility? If I were Click, I'd be tempted to bring up Brown and Diaz. Diaz could be the third catcher and potentially be an impact PH/DH/1B to help offset Brantley's loss. Brown could let it eat one time through the rotation in relief. If either play well enough to justify a spot on the playoff roster, they could build some ROY hype if they have any big moments on a national stage. I think a playoff game started by Verlander and finished by Brown would be really cool. I do think Whitley has the stuff to be impactful. If they think his command is there, I'd be tempted to find a spot for him in the pen as well. Even with the division lead, I'm not sure how much Dusty would play these guys over some of the veterans, so it may not be worth bringing them up. If the Astros feel like any of them can start on the opening day roster and compete for the ROY, I'm not sure there is a disadvantage to bringing them up in September. If any of them can have an impact like Arozarena a few years ago, it could also go a long way in justifying Click's cautious approach at the deadline.
9ip, 12k, 3bb, 3er with excellent velo and spin from Whitley over his last 2 starts. It might finally be happening for him.
Where would there be room to pitch Brown or Whitley? Wouldn't each receive a service time hit being called up before the end of the season? Whitley has shown flashes in previous appearances but last night, imo, was the first time in years he truly resembled his 2017 Texas League self. Fastball was ****ing dominant.
I do not know how Browns eligibility for ROY would be impacted and hope to hear from someone that does. There are a couple of possibilities for September call ups that I haven't heard mentioned. The limit for September is 28 but there is no reason it has to be the same 28 all month. Also there are plenty of players with options that could use a few weeks of light duty or R&R they could get in Sugar Land. Garcia seems exhausted and could benefit from something like that, or perhaps a reliever on a 15 day injury could regain his form. Anyway there are a few ways to look at more than two players.
Whitley’s burning an option year this year being on the 40-man but he hasn’t started building service time yet. He was optioned to the minors before before going on the 60-day DL. no, being called up in September won’t exhaust rookie eligibility. It’s exhausted at: 130 at-bats, 50 IP, or 45 days on a MLB active roster.
For those keeping track at home, Click signed Justin Dirden as a UFA after the 2020 draft (only 5 rounds due to covid).
WHITLEY IS BACK If he can sustain this, we just got the equivalent of a top overall draft pick on our team.
Paredes had a total disaster outing last night. That doesn't help his case at all. I'd rather bring up a guy like Whitley, Brown, or even Bielak who can give us length.
Miguel Ullola vs. Charleston: 3 IP, H, ER, 4 BB, 9 K The run scored on a suicide squeeze bunt single. Ullola now has 109 strikeouts in 64.2 innings this season.
