Likely AJ Blubaugh or Colton Gordon. Blair Henley is still on the 40 man roster, so he might get the call if it's just for a single start but I doubt they see him as any more than that.
Pressly needs 15 more saves to catch Lidge for 3rd in franchise history... I don't think he gets there.
Astros general manager Dana Brown announced during Tuesday's game against the Cardinals that Hernandez was acquired from San Diego for cash considerations. Hernandez has spent the season with Triple-A El Paso, posting a 1.90 ERA over 23 2/3 innings. He appeared in two games for the Padres last year, allowing four runs over three innings. Hernandez was selected by the Astros in the eighth round of the 2016 MLB Draft and spent six years in Houston’s system before departing as a free agent.
Pressly career splits entering 6/4/2024: Opposing OPS by inning-- 6th - .682 7th - .662 8th - .662 9th - .602 EXT - .700 Ahead or Behind opposing OPS -- Tie - .701 Ahead - .590 Behind - .691
Truth is that the 5 guys currently starting are pitching well and (other than JVs age) don't have glaring risk factors. Innings will become an issue later this summer for Blanco, Arrighetti, and maybe Brown. Gotta get through 6-8 more weeks. Garcia should be ready by mid-late July and then McCullers by late August.
Who is McCullers? Didn't we bury him in the H? Or did we leave him on Weiland Island? Does he even exist like Forrest?
Forrest Whitley nearing return... allegedly. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/astros-forrest-whitley-resumes-throwing-at-triple-a/
They have 5 guys who are pitching well. Their current AAA rotation isn’t good, but it’s not completely barren if somebody else goes down before Garcia is back. They probably don’t want to start Blubaugh’s clock yet, but he’s pitched well enough to expect him to be competitive in the majors if needed. Gordon has looked pretty good. Henley has been bad but there’s a reason he’s on the 40 man. Eric Lauer was terrible in his first start but his track record in the majors is good enough to expect him not to be an embarrassment. They also have Gusto and Tamarez stretched out but they’ve both been awful.
Imagine you work the past 5 years to get a second chance to live your dream... actually perform... but told to step aside because someone with a more famous name is coming to take your place despite worse results... would you still put in the effort into your job? That's the Jon Singleton story.
Meanwhile Brown has been speaking often to the Mets, Marlins, White Sox and others about getting pitching ......
They have limitations in the talent they have to trade in the minors and what they are willing to trade. They can say publicly that they are not concerned, but privately they are making a strong effort to improve their team, They have targeted pitching specifically with starters and relievers being a focus - but they also are aware that they may have to make improvements to the offense to offset a starting pitcher issue. Which is probably why they were poking around JD Martinez' availability. I know that when the Astros signed Lauer they hoped to call him up fairly soon.
Luis Severino was mentioned - but heard more about Manaea. Sounded like the cost for Manaea is less as well. JD Martinez is the other guy on the Mets they have checked in on. No idea if they think he can play 1st or if they just would want to play him a lot at DH in certain line ups. The White Sox don't have much. They have Garrett Crochet but he is too expensive. They have targeted Kopech. He can be in the pen or possibly be a tandem type guy that gives you 2-3 innings, or once through the order. He would be useful but I think they would be better just leaving him in the pen. They also have looked at Gavin Sheets - he is a lefty that can play first and pinch hit. On the Marlins they have spoken about AJ Puk, Jake Burger and some other reliever as well. Right now there is a lot of teams that are doing well that are open to trading for upgrades - and there are only so many possible guys until other teams decide to sell. For example, I know that the Astros would love to get the A's to move some of their guys.
For the sake of your job, rep and future opportunities you absolutely do go out and put your best effort out there every day you start or PH. That's why they're called professionals. If you're doing anything less than maybe the guy with the bigger name until further notice stays the starter......
At first when I saw Manaea, my reaction was oh lame but surprisingly he's been ok this season. Would I feel great if he was starting in the playoffs? No but making the playoffs is the 1st step for the Astros and he could help them get there. Jd Martinez would be interesting. How's his leadership skills? If he's a leader, don't care if he would be the new guy. I would want him to be vocal and rally the team and get the team going. And hopefully he continues to lead while in the playoffs if they make it. But if he's not a leader, not sure if I would want him as just the DH. Wouldn't mind if he can play 1B.
