Houston Astros: Dallas Keuchel off to a strong Spring Training start

The Houston Astros are just weeks away from the start of the regular season as they power through Spring Training to continue their mission of defending their World Series title.  We know that Dallas Keuchel is ready to go, considering his performance over his past two starts.  What’s going on?

The Houston Astros have propelled themselves to an 11-5-2 record after netting their second tie of the Spring Training season.  Although these records are meaningless and ties technically don’t in record mentions, I decided to let you know about since it’s something important to note.

This team is ready to compete for the 2018 and I’m so motivated that I’d like to start waiving a “Come and Take It” Houston Astros flag with the logo replacing the cannon of the infamous cry of the Battle of Gonzales.  For all you non-history buffs, it was one of the most pivotal battles for Texas to get its independence from Mexico, just as much weight as the Battle of the Alamo does.  Just think about that thought?  Before achieving statehood in 1845, this land mass that we call home was a separate country.

But with the short history lesson aside, we all know that all signs are pointing to Dallas Keuchel having a banner season, hopefully Cy Young-esque, as he’s going to hit the free agent market shortly thereafter.

Keuchel shined brilliantly in today’s 2-2 tie with the Washington Nationals and Brian McTaggart of MLB.com gives his take on the whole situation:

What a remarkable performance.  He was one of the last of the starting pitching to be unleashed for Spring Training — not making his debut until last Monday — and this guy is showing that he’s ready to go the distance.  Now as things progress through the season, if they want to rest him sometime through the midpoint, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it.

In fact, the same strategy that they employed of ensuring these guys are rested through 2017 should go into this season as well.  Yes, I’m positive that there was some injury but I was all for the team not rushing them back.  Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., and Charlie Morton spent quality time on the DL and it proved beneficial for all three of them.

Next: Why the Astros see Francis Martes as a future starter

Keuchel has posted a 3.38 ERA, eight strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP through 5.1 innings pitched in two starts in Spring Training.

Go Astros.