Here’s why Astros pitching looks primed for new ways to dominate
ARMS RACE
11 March 2024
JP France and Cristian Javier have new pitches to play with! Composite Getty Image.
Over the weekend, we got a surprising amount of updates from Houston Astros spring training.
Corey Julks now has two home runs this spring, with Jeremy Pena still sitting a zero. His falloff in power production last season is continuing so far in 2024.
Trey Cabbage, who the Astros traded for in late January, may not make the club and is likely to start the season in Sugar Land. He's gone 3-23 this spring with 10 strikeouts. Jon Singleton appears to be the guy behind Jose Abreu at first base.
What about the pitching?
Justin Verlander is ramping up his intensity in throwing sessions, reaching the low-nineties with his fastball. Verlander won't be ready for Opening Day, but isn't expected to miss too much time. Speaking of which, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is having an MRI on his elbow after dealing with some discomfort and inability to bounce-back after pitching. It wouldn't be surprising if Cole, like Verlander, won't be ready when the two teams face off to start the season.
Cristian Javier is having some success with his changeup, a new pitch he's added to his arsenal this season. Javier is also using a slide step in his delivery, to help keep the run game in check. He was one of the slowest pitchers to the plate last year, and was entirely too easy to steal bases off of. Having a quality third pitch could work wonders against hitters trying to hunt his fastball.
JP France appears on track to start the season on time and is working on a new pitch himself. France is adding a sinker to keep hitters off balance, as it's the only pitch he has that runs in on right-handed hitters. By working this pitch inside to righties, it should keep hitters honest as they won't be able to dive over the plate.
Jose Altuve has been giving France feedback on the new pitch by standing in the batter's box and sharing his observations.
The Astros also made a few moves over the weekend, with pitchers Spencer Arrighetti and Forrest Whitley being sent down to minor-league camp.
Plus, we react to Chandler Rome's roster projections for the 2024 season, and much more!
Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion.
The Houston Astros sent a message loud and clear with one of their most emphatic wins of the season, an 18-1 demolition of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they did it without Yordan Alvarez or Jeremy Peña in the lineup.
Jose Altuve silenced the Dodger Stadium boos with a pair of home runs and even stayed after the game to sign autographs for young fans. Lance McCullers Jr. delivered six strong innings in a bounce-back outing, and the offense erupted behind big nights from Zach Short, Cam Smith, Yainer Díaz, and Christian Walker.
With key contributions across the board, this was a total team win, one that highlights the depth, momentum, and legitimacy of this Astros squad as the second half approaches. Manager Joe Espada is pressing all the right buttons, and with All-Star nods for Josh Hader, Hunter Brown, and Peña, Houston looks like a team no one wants to face right now.
Don't miss the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein react to the big series in LA, and much more!
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