Houston Astros Top Three Left Handed Pitching Prospects

Houston Astros Top Three Left Handed Pitching Prospects (2016)

Now we get to the left handed pitching prospects. Last season the Astros trade Josh Hader, who probably would have topped this list. At this point, the Astros have a couple high upside lefties mixed with a few somewhat high floor guys. Left handed pitching prospects was probably the toughest to rank with a few guys being interchangeable. This is the second to last position with relief pitchers coming up next.

Lets get to the list!

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Houston Astros Top 3 First Base Prospects
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Houston Astros Top 3 Third Base Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Shortstop Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Left Field Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Center Field Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Right Field Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Right Handed Pitching Prospects

1. Tommy Shirley

Shirley is a little bit of an unknown in the Astros system, but he has steadily moved through the system posting above average numbers. The 6’5″ left hander was drafted by the Astros in the 9th round of the 2010 draft. In 305.2 minor league innings, Shirley has posted a 2.68 ERA. Shirley has good mechanics and command, and a fastball that can produce some bad swings. Unfortunately he missed part of 2015 due to injury. Even then, he posted a 3.07 ERA in 41 innings.

2015 Stats: 3-1, 3.07 ERA, 41 IP, 32 H, 14 ER, 11 BB, 37 SO, 2.4 BB/9, 8.1 SO/9

2. Patrick Sandoval

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Sandoval was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round of the 2015 draft. He signed for $900,000 which is a very high bonus for a guy drafted in the 11th round. Sandoval is a 6’3″ left hander who was ranked the 135th best draft prospect according to Kiley McDaniel. Sandoval is an athletic lefty who sits around 88-90 MPH but can touch 91-92 MPH. It is also noted that he has a great curve, though inconsistent. Sandoval has a ton of upside but only threw 13.1 innings in his debut season.

2015 Stats: 0-3, 6.08 ERA, 13.1 IP, 22 H, 4 BB, 11 SO, 2.7 BB/9, 7.4 SO/9

3. Brian Holmes

Holmes is another interesting prospect drafted by the Astros in 2012. Holmes has pretty much dominated his whole MiLB career up until AA this season, although his peripherals were good. He is another big lefty but his fastball typically sits in the high 80s. Even without the high veolcity, he has been able to post great strikeout numbers with a career strikeout rate of 9.4 SO/9. Holmes also pitched in the Arizona Fall League and while he struggled with command (13 BB in 16 innings), he was unhittable only allowing 7 hits in those 16 innings.

2015 Stats: 8-7, 4.26 ERA, 101.1 IP, 102 H, 48 ER, 39 BB, 115 SO, 3.5 BB/9, 10.2 SO/9

Other Notables: