Houston Astros Chris Devenski Could Take Fireman Role

After Andrew Miller revitalized the fireman role from the days of yore in the postseason last year, other teams have been looking for options of their own. Chris Devenski may be just that for the Houston Astros.

The 2016 postseason may have changed the way that relievers are regarded. After Andrew Miller filled the fireman role from the days of yore, or at least the days of Goose Gossage, teams have begun looking for their own versions of that pitcher. The St. Louis Cardinals are already envisioning former closer Trevor Rosenthal in such a role, and Miller may reprise that performance during the regular season. For the Houston Astros, Chris Devenski may be that fireman going forward.

It took some time for the Astros to know what they had with Devenski last year. After beginning the season in a mopup role, he was put into the starting rotation as a desperation move. Finally, he ended up back in the bullpen, essentially working in that fireman role, coming in to get the starter out of whatever trouble they created for themselves.

Regardless of the role, Devenski performed well. In his 48 games spanning 108.1 innings, he posted a stellar 2.16 ERA and a 0.914 WHiP, striking out 104 batters against 20 walks. Despite serving in what was essentially a middle relief role, he finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year vote last year, earning more votes than Mariners closer Edwin Diaz.

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While Devenski could fill any variety of roles with the Astros in 2017, including that elusive back of the rotation piece they have been seeking, his best role may well be as their fireman. He proved to be excellent in multiple inning stints last year, with his memorable 4.1 perfect innings with seven consecutive strikeouts against the Blue Jays being the outing that put him on the map. Seeing him come into a game led to the confidence that no matter what trouble the team was in, they would escape unscathed.

It is that role that Devenski may well find himself in again this season. While it is not a defined role, at least in terms of the modern bullpen, that appears ready to change. As managers look to use their better relievers in more high leverage roles, regardless of the inning, having pitchers like Devenski in the bullpen, capable of throwing multiple innings and entering at any point, could become important.

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While Andrew Miller may be the focal point for the new generation of fireman, other teams will follow suit. Chris Devenski is the perfect option for the Houston Astros to slot into that role.