Houston Astros Season 2017: Three Things To Watch Out For
Roster Changes With The New Guys
Acquired via free agency, outfielders Josh Reddick and Nori Aoki will make their debut in a Astros uniform, not to mention Brian McCann who will now take the reins as the lead catcher.
There are six Astros to make their first appearance on the Opening Day roster — they include: Alex Bregman, Chris Devenski, Yulieski Gurriel, Jandel Gustave, Lance McCullers, Jr. and Joe Musgrove.
Two of the six aforementioned names are rookies which are Gurriel and Gustave.
The Cuban outfielder inked a five-year, $47.5 million deal back in mid-July and has proven that he still has a lot left in the tank at age 32.
Gustave has been long-time, highly-regarded prospect arm and he finally has his opportunity to make the roster.
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He had an excellent Spring Training posting a 1.80 ERA, allowing four hits, two earned runs, 13 strikeouts while boasting a 0.80 WHIP through 10.0 innings of work.
That’s damn terrific and he deserves a spot on this roster.
But one of the bigger pitching phenomenons is Musgrove, who too had a strong Spring Training campaign.
He’s got a plethora of weapons in his arsenal including a killer slider, an awesome fastball and an eye-twitching — and improving — change-up to boot.
He finished with a 2.08 ERA, allowing 20 hits, six earned runs while tossing 19 strikeouts and holding on to a stellar 1.04 WHIP through 26.0 innings pitched.
Musgrove will be one of brighter spots in the pitching rotation and he’ll have his shot to shine while Collin McHugh takes his trip to the DL for a dead arm.