Houston Astros – Cionel Perez
The Houston Astros have one left handed pitcher on the major league roster – starter Wade Miley. In fact, they have just three left handed pitchers on their 40 man roster in total.
Although that lack of a lefty reliever has not hurt Houston yet, that could change come the 2019 MLB playoffs. The Astros may want a left handed option to counter those power bats in the late innings, but with the lack of a September trade deadline, they have to rely upon their internal options. One of those options is Cionel Perez, the formerly well regarded Cuban prospect.
Perez has struggled this season, posting a 5.14 ERA and a 1.612 WHiP in the minors, but has also struck out 50 batters in 49 innings. He has not had much success at the major league level this season either, allowing ten runs and 12 baserunners in his eight innings.
However, in 2018, Perez performed well in a relief role for Houston. He has also been excellent against lefties in his brief major league career, holding left handed batters to a .182/.308/.455 batting line in 26 plate appearances. It is a small sample size, but it is notable given the lack of other left handed options on the roster.
The Houston Astros may find themselves needing a left handed arm in their bullpen come the postseason. Cionel Perez, as it stands, is their best option.