Houston Astros: Luhnow needs to pursue southpaw relief options
The Houston Astros were able to claim its first World Series without the use of left-handed relievers in the playoffs. But it’s still a necessity for the upcoming season, and there are still plenty of choices in play.
The Houston Astros are in dire need of a left-handed relief pitcher.
They cruised through the playoffs with just one southpaw in the pen, and he pitched a measly 2 1/3 innings. General manager Jeff Luhnow didn’t disregard the bullpen’s issues from last season, as he inked Joe Smith and Hector Rondon to short-term deals.
But as of now, there aren’t any left-handed relievers to counterbalance the abundance of righties – except Tony Sipp. Sipp was serviceable a few seasons ago, but he struggled mightily in 2017.
The front office must decide whether to utilize Sipp in 2018 or leave him in the minors to work out his kinks. Meanwhile, questions linger in regards to who Houston will add to the pen and when.
Several options remain on the free agent market, but no reports note any deals in place thus far. And as time flies by, fewer pitchers will be available. Nevertheless, a handful of choices don’t currently have teams.
Pretty sure the Astros have not used a left-handed reliever at any point in this series. How has that happened???
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) October 30, 2017
Tony Watson is the clear-cut best option that’s left on the market. The former Pirates closer owns a 2.68 career ERA and 1.08 WHIP, which is promising. Watson would be a remarkable pickup, but the Astros likely won’t want to pay top dollar for him.
Cheaper options may be more suitable for the Astros. Brian Duensing and Glen Perkins provide veteran experience, even if they are not elite alternatives.
Perkins is a three-time All-Star attempting to return to the big leagues, even on a short-term contract. Duensing boasted a career-high strikeout rate this past season, notching nearly nine strikeouts per nine innings.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The advantage of chasing either of the former Twins relievers is the price. Neither of them will be looking to cash in a considerable amount.
The option of playing for the reigning World Series champions may also persuade them to accept a pay cut.
However, Houston could also look to Francisco Liriano.
At this point, the Astros have to consider re-signing the former starter, despite his unimpressive 2017 numbers.
His resume as a reliever isn’t enticing either. The lefty posted a 4.97 ERA in just 58 innings as a reliever with a subpar 1.59 WHIP.
But Liriano has shown he can succeed in the role. He pieced together a solid season with the Blue Jays in 2016, sporting a 2.96 ERA in 49 1/3 innings with a high strikeout rate and a 3.25 K/BB ratio.
His performances late in the season could overshadow the rest of his 2017 campaign as well. He surrendered just one earned run in 5 2/3 innings during October. And he was one of the only guys that didn’t allow a run during the World Series – he pitched less than an inning though.
A majority of the players available will be better than Sipp. Yet, the front office must act quickly before everyone is gone.
Next: Will Brady Rogers see time at the MLB level?
That could mean dumpster diving to ensure they have at least one somewhat reliable option in the bullpen. Whether it’s Sipp or someone else, Houston will need a southpaw reliever.
Now the Houston Astros just have to determine how much they are willing to pay and who they are willing to pay.