Houston Astros: The most surprising addition to the ALDS roster

The Houston Astros have set their ALDS roster, their first round of the postseason. Who was the most surprising addition? Let’s take a look and find out.

The Houston Astros are ready for the postseason and they’ll be taking on the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon in the opening game of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. The Rays are a formidable opponent so there’s no doubt that they will make this team sweat a bit; but ultimately, they will more than likely come out the victor through four games.

The Houston Astros have announced those who have made the ALDS roster and those players are as follows:

Pitchers:

Gerrit Cole
Zack Greinke
Will Harris
Josh James
Wade Miley
Roberto Osuna
Ryan Pressly
Hector Rondon
Joe Smith
Jose Urquidy
Justin Verlander

Catchers:

Robinson Chirinos
Martin Maldonado

Infielders:

Jose Altuve
Alex Bregman
Carlos Correa
Aledmys Diaz
Yuli Gurriel
Myles Straw

Outfielders:

Yordan Alvarez
Michael Brantley
Jake Marisnick
Josh Reddick
George Springer
Kyle Tucker

So that’s it — these are the guys that will be representing for the ALDS with possible adjustments if the team gets the opportunity to advance to the ALCS. They’ve got a long way to go before that happens so let’s focus on the now of everything.

The obvious omissions are Brad Peacock and Bryan Abreu on the pitching front. It wasn’t surprising to see Peacock left off because of the struggles this season to remain healthy. His shoulder has not been cooperative with him but he did return before the end of the season for a spell. This will be a great time for Brad to heal — and for the Houston Astros to evaluate him — to see if he can make a possible appearance on the ALCS roster.

When he’s healthy, he would be a guy I’d trust in a pressure situation but I don’t think now’s time, especially with some rust that he will have to knock off first.

I really would’ve liked to see Abreu on the roster as this kid has something and absolutely impressive throughout his September call-up, sporting a 1.17 ERA, 13 strikeouts, one earned run and a 0.91 WHIP through 7.2 innings last month.

I’d imagine AJ Hinch wants to keep him around for future consideration as well because that slider of his can be a valuable weapon in relief if, in fact, he gets the call to be on a possible ALCS roster.

But you know what the most surprising move was?

It was the decision to add Rondon to the roster! Look, I get it, he’s a veteran, he’s tried-and-tested but I worry about him in high-pressure situations where he might be tapped to pitch in relief. He gives up the big ones, he loads up the bases but he does somehow find a way to get out of his mess.

Rondon wasn’t too happy he was left off the ALDS roster last season and I thought that was going

More from House of Houston

to be the case this season because I felt that Abreu was a bit more deserving.

Rondon’s 4.20 ERA and 1.47 WHIP through 15.0 innings pitched in 17 games in his postseason history doesn’t give me a lot of confidence in his ability to perform in the clutch as well.

As a matter of fact, Rondon has posted a 4.05 ERA, three earned runs, one walk, a 1.05 WHIP and six strikeouts through 6.2 innings pitched in his last seven games over the season.

That honestly was his saving grace, not walking as many batters so it will be up to Rondon to live up the expectations that have been set forth for him.

I’m truly rooting for him to succeed but his track record isn’t looking too good thus far. But I’m certainly wishing him the best in this series.

Next. Astros: Three keys to an ALDS win over the Rays. dark

Let’s get it done — go Houston Astros!

Rondon, 31, has posted a 3-2 record, a 3.71 ERA while tossing 48 strikeouts to 25 earned runs along with a 1.25 WHIP through 60.2 innings pitched this season, appearing in 62 games.

Home/Houston Astros