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It is an exciting day for one young man named Rogelio Armenteros. The day he has dreamed of and worked for most of his life. Today the Astros announced that Armenteros will join the Houston Astros. He will finally get to wear the uniform of a Major League baseball team.
Here’s the announcement by Brian McTaggart:
Astros bullpen is gassed so they are planning to recall RHP Rogelio Armenteros before tomorrow’s game and option OF Derek Fisher to Round Rock. They need another arm.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 13, 2019
The 25 year old Armenteros this year at AAA Round Rock is 3-4, with a 5.00 ERA and 1.467 WHIP. These are not good numbers, but pitching stats at AAA are pretty whacky across the board due to the use of the big league style baseball. Last year his ERA at AAA Fresno was 3.79.
His best best pitch is his change-up, to go with plus command and a low 90’s fastball.
Derek Fisher, in 17 games, was slashing .226/317/.355 with one home run and 4 stolen bases. However, according to Statcast, this understates his actually performance. His xBA is .276, his xSLG is .419. His actual wOBA is .300 but his xwOBA is .344. Fisher’s average exit velocity is an impressive 94.8 MPH, compared to league average 87.4. In fact, all of his expected averages were well above league average.
Armenteros will be the fifth player making his big league debut this year on the first place Houston Astros. He will also be the fifth Cuban on the 25 man roster.
Astros next play on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
See this preseason analysis of Armenteros’ qualifications for the big team written last winter by Exile in St. Louis.