Mapping out Astros future using clues from the MLB draft
BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE
11 July 2023
The MLB Draft got started over the weekend, and the Houston Astros drafted a shortstop and a pitcher with their first two selections.
Shortstop Brice Mathews from the University of Nebraska provides power and speed, and Houston could use more infield talent in their system. Also, with Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman set to be free agents after next season, adding to the infield makes a lot of sense. Mathews could move to another infield position if necessary.
With the team's second pick, they drafted 6'8” UCLA pitcher, Alonzo Treadwell. The Astros currently have Luis Garcia, and Lance McCullers working back from arm surgery. So the team addressed two of their biggest needs, infield, and pitching.
Both players were drafted out of college, so hopefully they can make it to the majors sooner rather than later.
Don't miss the video above as we share our thoughts on the Astros selections and when we could see them making an impact on the big league roster.
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Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the slumping Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Friday night.
Brown (6-1) struck out nine, matching his season high for the fourth straight start. The right-hander also issued a season-high four walks in his fifth consecutive win.
Brown departed after Gavin Lux walked with two out in the sixth. Kaleb Ort got Spencer Steer to bounce into a forceout at second.
Josh Hader handled the ninth for his ninth save.
Cincinnati finished with four hits in its sixth loss in seven games.
Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (1-4) surrendered 10 hits and three runs in six innings. He struck out five and walked none.
Zach Dezenzo hit a two-out RBI single in the second, and the Astros added two more runs in the fifth.
Mauricio Dubón followed Brendan Rodgers’ leadoff double with a chopper past third baseman Santiago Espinal, moving Rodgers to third. Jeremy Peña drove in Rodgers with a groundout to second, and Isaac Paredes doubled home Dubón with two down.
Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz each had two hits for the Astros.
Cincinnati's Austin Hays returned from the injured list after missing 10 games with a left hamstring strain. He went 1 for 4.
Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was scratched due to left calf tenderness after missing the last two games.
Key moment
Tyler Stephenson hit a one-out double for Cincinnati in the ninth. But Hader struck out Rece Hinds and Espinal, ending the game.
Key stat
It was Houston's first win against the Reds since June 19, 2016, ending a nine-game skid.
Up next
Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season and first home start since October 3, 2022, against Reds right-hander Brady Singer (4-2 3.66 ERA) on Saturday night.
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