Houston Astros: Will David Paulino be the first SP called up?

The Houston Astros have plenty of depth in its pitching staff. But if injuries take place, Paulino could be the team’s first choice to replace someone.

The Houston Astros already possess more than just five reliable starting pitchers. Colin McHugh and Brad Peacock, now bullpen options, will provide backup in the case of injuries.

But a handful of other serviceable pitchers sit in the minors ready to earn a shot in the big leagues. Among the several that Houston has, David Paulino could be the first to get the call.

The right-hander faced an 80-game suspension last season, eliminating his opportunity to contribute across the entire year. And considering that most of the Astros starters faced lingering injuries, he could have made a good impression.

Instead, Paulino logged just 29 borderline-appalling innings, as he posted an inflated 6.52 ERA and allowed eight home runs. He allowed more than 11 hits per nine innings, though he could have reduced those numbers if he pitched more. The 23-year-old did whiff 34 hitters in that short sample of innings.

Despite posting unfathomable numbers in the short run, Paulino may be Houston’s first call-up. If all goes well, the Astros won’t need to resort to Triple-A guys for the rotation.

With Peacock and McHugh as backup options, guys like Paulino, Brady Rodgers, and Jandel Gustave might not be needed. However, they could be used in the pen should injuries occur – they will.

Paulino needs to work out some kinks in Fresno before manager A.J. Hinch promotes him. The team’s top-10 prospect only has 28 innings in Triple-A under his belt. He didn’t sport gaudy numbers for the Grizzlies, either.

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However, Paulino’s numbers in lower leagues were promising. And his frame and repertoire should help him earn a spot in the bigs one day.

He’s a 6-foot-7, hard-throwing hurler that can reach the upper 90s. But he also throws a power curveball, his go-to off-speed pitch. He racked up strikeouts in Double-A in 2016 – 72 in 64 innings – while issuing a minute amount of walks.

Yet, Paulino still needs more experience to develop his other off-speed pitches and be more consistent. He also needs to become more durable to be a successful starter for the Astros.

Paulino pitched just 210 1/3 innings throughout his first six seasons. His development is assured. And this could be the season he takes a massive leap.

There will be some competition if a spot opens up in the pitching staff. Rodgers is a former Pitcher of the Year – he had Tommy John surgery last year – while Gustave has also pitched in the MLB.

Of course, other younger prospects have an opportunity to contribute. The Astros promoted Francis Martes even though he had a handful of rough outings in Triple-A. Though he continued to struggle in the big leagues, he could be back sooner rather than later.

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Then there is Forrest Whitley. The lanky 20-year-old dazzled during his short stint in Double-A last season. He accrued 26 strikeouts and four walks in just 14 2/3 innings.

Houston wants to promote pitchers that will improve the team. The Astros boast the league’s most talented roster. If Whitley is the team’s best option by the middle of summer, even in a relief role, Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow will make it happen.

Tons of options are available for Hinch and company. If a spot opens up, Paulino and Rodgers could be the first choices because of their experience. But both are coming off short years because of injury or suspension.

Next: Houston has essentially two roster spots open

Ultimately, Spring Training could be the determinant for this position. Paulino could be the team’s top choice. Only time will tell.

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