Houston Astros: 5 players who impressed after 2 weeks of Spring Training
By T.A. Mock
Nick Tanielu, 3B/INF
Moving on from two names you more than likely already knew about and would be players for the Houston Astros this season. However, in this spot, we’ll be discussing a guy you might not have heard much of before, if at all.
Nick Tanielu has never been a top prospect but he has been nothing but solid for the Astros throughout his professional career. He was selected in the 14th round of the draft out of Washington State University. Tanielu worked his way up to AA ball by 2016, spent the majority of 2017 injured, and played the majority of the 2018 season in Fresno with the AAA club.
He was extended a non-roster invitation to Spring Training this season and has more than made the most of this opportunity. He has been one of the most frequent players to enter games for the Houston Astros this Spring and hasn’t disappointed.
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He has a +.360 average for the Spring to go with two home runs, seven RBIs, a triple, and two doubles. He has been the team’s most productive bat during Spring Training by far. Now, Tanielu likely doesn’t have shot at cracking the 25 man roster to start the season but he could be working his way onto the shortlist in case of an emergency.
The Astros may also be working on Tanielu to become their next good, young versatile defender with a solid bat just like they had in Marwin Gonzalez. He’s spent time at third base and second base during Spring Training but can also cover the other two infield spots and could likely manage a corner outfield spot as well. Tanielu is a name to keep an eye on in the future.