Here’s an intriguing Hunter Brown comp that pays off a lot sooner than you think for Astros
SPOT ON ASSESSMENT
17 February 2023
Astros fans have all heard the comparisons between Justin Verlander and Hunter Brown based on how similar their mechanics are. But there's another Hunter Brown comp that actually makes a little more sense based on what role Brown will likely be asked to play for Houston.
Brown is expected to work as the team's sixth starter, and bounce between the rotation and the bullpen, like Cristian Javier has been doing for the team. Javier started last season as the team's sixth starter/ relief pitcher, and now has a 5-year contract extension and is considered by many to be Houston's second-best starter behind Framber Valdez.
With this in mind, is it crazy to think Brown could have a similar ascension for the Astros this season and enter the 2024 season as the third or fourth starter? Javier ended up making 25 starts in the regular season last year due to scheduling and injuries to the rotation. Javier made his first start of 2022 in mid-April, with the team going on a long stretch of games with no days off.
The Astros play eight straight games to start 2023, and we expect the organization to be careful with Lance McCullers due to his history of arm issues. Especially now, with him already experencing soreness in his throwing arm. So it's not out of the realm of possibility that we might see Hunter Brown make a start in the first week of the season.
Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss how Hunter Brown could eventually be the team's next Cristian Javier, what the expectations are for him this season, and much more!
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