Few Astros front-line starters in this one but some interesting battles for roster spots on the fringes
Brandon Walter starts in this one. A 28-year-old product of the Red Sox system, he’s only pitched 23 major league innings in 2023 with an unimpressive 6.26 ERA. Do the Astros see some untapped potential? Whenever the Astros take a castaway pitcher, you have hopes they can work a miracle. It’s happened consistently so many times before in the last 10 years that you wonder if mediocre pitchers pray that they become Astros.
Who’s in this game? Cam Smith DH’s. We love that he’s in the game, but with all the questions about his defensive experience, why isn’t he in the field?
Jon Singleton is having a slow Spring and as a left-handed power bat, genuine Cinderella story, and sitting on the bubble, you hope he can break through today.
Probable fourth outfielder, lefty Ben Gamel, who has only had nine Spring ABs, gets a start. And top prospect Brice Mathews gets a look as well. Maybe Jake Meyers can stay hot. Wouldn’t that be a nice fantasy-come-true if Jake becomes the offensive force we thought he could have been a few years ago. Unfortunately, the Astros have a history of flashy, defense-only center fielders named Jake.
Go Stros.
