Astros Prospect Report: April 30th, 2015

It's always seeing Astros minor leaguers get good publicity. It's even better when you see it come for a guy who has had to battle to get to where he currently is. Joe Musgrove started off as a typical privileged first round high school arm. But that life didn't last long. He struggled in pro ball in many ways. Injuries. Drop in velocity. Failed to meet expectations of two different clubs that had invested him in either financially or via trade.

But, he began to over come all of those things last season with a very strong stay in Tri-City. But, this interview really goes in depth about what he went through and how he's turned in around. His journey shows a lot of strong character and makes it easy to get behind him.

Obie Given Rough Introduction

Obie has been a polarizing figure to Astros fans as opinions range from just a guy to the last piece the rotation needs and possible breakout candidate. That said, his ST was limited due to a blister and finally made it back to the mound last night. That said, it was a rude return. He gave up seven runs in the first inning before settling in. In fact he had hit his stride in the third inning when he struck out the only two batters that he faced.

Alex White's struggles continue....

• Brett Oberholtzer-2 2/3 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR, 1/3 GO/AO, 60/37 P/S
• Jordan Jankowski-1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 SO, 0/3 GO/AO, 23/15 P/S
• Alex White-4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR, 3/7 GO/AO, 59/39 P/S
• Nolan Fontana SS-1-5, 2B, 2 SO
• Preston Tucker LF-2-5, HR, 2 SO, OF Assist-NINE HOME RUNS!
• Jon Singleton 1B-0-3, BB, 3 SO
• Andrew Aplin CF-1-4, 2B

Hooks Dominate Early with 8-1 Win

It didn't take long for the CC team to get an early lead as they posted three runs in top of the first. Fast forward just two innings and they would pile on four more. The one run that starter Josh Hader did give up came in the fifth and was obviously no where near enough. This was easily Hader's best appearance this season as it was the lowest runs allowed (gave up two unearned in another outing), most innings, lowest walk total, and tied for the highest strikeouts.

Big boy Brandon Meredith picked up a start in CF and batted higher in the order than he has on most nights as he was in the clean up spot. His season stats show a hitter well worth placing there and he responded with three hits that included his third home run of the season.

• Josh Hader-5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO, 6/2 GO/AO, 63/42 P/S
• Chris Devenski-4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO, 3/3 GO/AO, 51/33 P/S
• Tony Kemp 2B-3-5, 2B
• Carlos Correa SS-1-3, BB, SO, SB
• Brandon Meredith CF-3-5, HR, SO
• Conrad Gregor 1B-0-2, 2 BB, SO
• Telvin Nash DH-1-3, HR, BB

Phillips Bat Can't Carry JetHawks

Despite going 3-5 which included a double and a home run, Phillips didn't receive enough support as the Jethawks fell 3-2. Lancaster was able to amass eight hits but they couldn't get enough runs across. Adrian Houser continues to be a frustrating prospect as he has good games and bad ones. Last night was one of those where you leave frustrated since he was able to limit hits, but having more walks then strikeouts doesn't bode well for continued success.

J.D. Davis and Chase McDonald were not in the lineup.

• Adrian Houser-4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO, 4/0 GO/AO
• Tyler Brunnemann-3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO, 3/1 Go/AO
• Frederick Tiburcio-2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 3/2 GO/AO
• Brett Phillips CF-3-5, 2B, HR, SO, OF Assist
• Jack Mayfield SS-2-5, 2B, SO
• Jose Fernandez 2B-2-4, SO, CS
• Marc Wik 3B-0-2, 2 BB, SO

Fisher's Return Fuels 4-2 River Bandits Win

Derek Fisher left a game early on 4/22 due to an injury and the Astros highest signee made it back last night and did so in great fashion. Jacob Nottingham has been a story this season as the catcher's bat has been solid in his first showing of full-season ball, but his fourth HR is over shadowed. Of course the return of one of the top prospects is exciting. But coming back and hitting your fifth HR is flowing with #rig.

• Brock Dykxhoorn-4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO, 5/4 GO/AO
• Jose Montero-2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 SO, 2/0 GO/AO
• Joshua James-4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 SO, 3/3 GO/AO
• Jamie Ritchie C-3-4, SO
• Derek Fisher CF-1-3, HR, BB
• Jacob Nottingham 1B-2-4, HR