EVERY-THING SPORTS

Here's a no-nonsense plan of action for Houston Astros phenom Hunter Brown

Here's a no-nonsense plan of action for Houston Astros phenom Hunter Brown
Hunter Brown belongs in the big leagues. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

The Astros were sanctioned for their role in the sign stealing scandal. Part of those sanctions took away several high draft picks. With the pipeline of prospects seemingly drying up as the team has been successfully rebuilt, the need to constantly replenish the minor league system was hurt. Losing up to four high draft picks could hurt, if your team isn't prepared to maximize the remaining picks and/or fails to develop the prospects they already have. There's also the international market to pull from when it comes to finding prospects.

Hunter Brown entered this season as the Astros highest ranked minor leaguer in the MLB.com Top 100 prospects list. He's still their highest ranked prospect as of the update last month...he's ranked number 71. To say that's a blow to the future would be exaggerating. To say its not ideal and could spell for some rough times ahead would be more accurate. However, Brown was a fifth round pick, number 166 overall, and has turned out to be a revelation.

Brown has a fastball, slider, curve, and a changeup. In his debut, he threw a 96mph slider! Imagine a slider moving just as fast as his fastball, but then it breaks. One thing that came to light in my research on this was the story told on the broadcast the other night. When in college, he stopped throwing the curve he threw in high school. The Astros asked him if he threw a curve upon drafting him and working him out. When he said it's been since high school then unleashed a curve that looks like it falls off a table, they were very impressed.

In his Labor Day debut he threw six innings using 79 pitches, allowed three hits, gave up on walk, struck out five, and didn't give up an earned run in the 1-0 win. Having an arm like this, to add to the already loaded staff, has this team in a position of power. There are seven starters on this squad and all seven have a legit claim to be in the rotation. Brown will no doubt be on the postseason roster with his stuff. When it's cut down to a four-man rotation in October, which three are headed to the pen? In the offseason, who's moved to bring back players and/or prospects to help sure up other areas of need? All these questions are the kinds of problems most teams pray for.

Brown should never see the minors again. He's 24 year old and has A+ stuff. He showed a level of calm and maturity on the mound Monday that belies a guy his age and experience. He's their pitching version of Yordan Alvarez in that they got him on the cheap and found a gem. I don't care who has to get sent down or traded, they need to make room for this kid. Maybe use this offseason to convert one of those starters into a reliever. Whatever needs to be done should be done. You don't come across guys like this too often. Couple his talent with the pitching coaches they still have, the vets like Justin Verlander on the same staff for guidance, and a catcher in Martin Maldonado, there's almost no way this kid fails.

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Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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