Gutted of just about every valuable veteran piece, this team resembles an away Spring Training team more than an actual baseball team. Make no mistake the Astros are in an evaluation period to see who can be a productive part of this team going forward.
Pitching
Dallas Keuchel had another disappointing outing. In four innings he allowed seven runs, on seven hits and six walks. He also struck out only one batter. Strikeouts aren't Keuchel's MO, not walking people is and he had issued six free passes tonight.
As I recall Keuchel has struggled at each new level he's been at. To me this isn't anything to worry about, yet. If Keuchel was getting beat while not walking guys I'd be worried, but this just seems to me like a young get his bearings at the Major League level.
Charlie Fick relieved Keuchel and pitched three innings, allowing a run on three hits and one walk. He one upped Keuchel in strikeouts with two.Rhiner Cruz pitched the eighth and allowed two runs on two hits and a walk.
Matt Downs was seen warming in the pen in the event that the Astros scored nine runs so this game was probably a wash from the get-go.
Batting
Jose Altuve collected two hits, Chris Snyder hit a homerun and Brett Wallace was 1-4. Overall the Astros scored one run on five hits one walk, while striking out nine times.
Fielding
Below average. Terrible execution tonight.
Wednesday
Early game, 1:10 PM CT Jordan Lyles vs Mike Fiers.