Peacock makes Astros bullpen; Hoyt, Gustave battle for the final spot

The Houston Astros bullpen has come a long way from the disaster that was the 2014 season. The bullpen has a handful of locks earning 2017 with Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson, Will Harris, Chris Devenski, and Tony Sipp.

But the final two or three spots were up for grabs says A.J. Hinch, per Jake Kaplan. The frontrunners for the spots are Michael Feliz, Brad Peacock, and either James Hoyt or Jandel Gustave.

Feliz, 23, could continue his bullpen role after appearing 47 games last year unless the team choices to send him to the minors to be a starter.

Brad Peacock is arguably the biggest surprise addition. Peacock was out of options entering Spring Training and would have had to be put on waivers to be assigned to the minors.

Peacock, 29, was 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in eight games (three starts) during Spring Training. He was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five relief appearances.

Hoyt, 30, was part of the Evan Gattis trade in 2015. He was lights out with Triple-A Fresno in 2016 with a 4-3 with a 1.64 ERA in 49 games including 29 saves. Hoyt didn’t light the world on fire during Spring Training, he was 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in eight games.

Gustave, 24, got his first taste of major league action in 2016 — he allowed six earned runs over 15 1/3 innings. In the minors in 2016, Gustave was 3-3 with a 3.79 ERA in 47 appearances with Triple-A Fresno.

He was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in nine spring games.