Logan VanWey passes the test in a starting role while Dezenzo stays hot
I wish I could say the Astros’ frontline starters did the damage in this lopsided win. Alas, most of the runs were scored at the end of the game by Astros minor leaguers against Marlins minor leaguers. Poor Xavier Meachem. The 22-year-old Marlin made his first appearance in a big league game and now has a career ERA of 135.00.
But there was some legitimate good stuff in here. First, surprise non-roster-invitee Logan VanWey passed his test, completing 1.2 innings to start the game without allowing a run on one hit with two Ks. He lowered his Spring ERA to 0.71.
Two other surprise relief hopefuls did nothing to hurt their chances of travelling to Houston. Steven Okert extended his streak of scoreless innings to 10.2 with another one today along with two strikeouts. Luis Contreras extended his scoreless innings streak to 8.2 with another scoreless inning, although he had to work around two hits.
After Cam Smith kept the Spring heat on with a 2-4 day yesterday including his fourth home run, his main competition for that utility infield/outfield role, Zack Dezenzo, answered right back. He was 3-4 with two line drive, up-the-alley doubles. His OPS sits at 1.138 for the Spring.
Jake Meyers continues a strong Spring with a no-doubt two run homer to deep left. He and Jeremy Pena are the only “starters” hitting this Spring.
Former Tiger Zack Short hit his second Spring dinger. The Astros look pretty deep in utility infielders: Mauricio Dubon, Brendan Rodgers, Luis Guillorme, and Short, not to mention homegrown Dezenzo and Shay Whitcomb. One of them will play a lot of second base, but none of them project to add even average MLB production with the bat.
On the downside, Josh Hader continues to struggle with command. He walked three in 1.1 innings