Call to the pen
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Houston Astros: Josh James poor season may have explanation

By David Hill

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Josh James #39 of the Houston Astros leaves the game after injuring himself during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Five of the American League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 15, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Josh James #39 of the Houston Astros leaves the game after injuring himself during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Five of the American League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 15, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Josh James was expected to be a key piece of the Houston Astros future. An injury may explain why he struggled so much this season.

Josh James had a perfect opportunity to prove that he could be a part of the Houston Astros future. With several openings in both the rotation and bullpen, he had a chance to establish a role for himself moving forward. Instead, he struggled for the second consecutive year, his command continuing to worsen.

There may have been an explanation for those struggles. James underwent surgery to repair a labral tear in his left hip, and will be sidelined for six to eight months.

A consensus top 100 prospect prior to 2019, James did not exactly live up to the hype that year. He posted a decent 4.70 ERA and a 1.321 WHiP, striking out 100 batters in his 61.1 innings, but a lack of command hindered his effectiveness. James walked 35 batters in that span, his 5.1 BB/9 rate easily the worst of his professional career.

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Those numbers took another step backwards this year. James was unable to establish himself as a reliable part of the Astros bullpen mix during the regular season, posting a 7.27 ERA and a 1.846 WHiP. While he did strike out 21 batters in his 17.1 innings, he also issued 17 walks.

Even with those struggles, he continued to get his chances. Dusty Baker kept sending him out, hoping that he would eventually find his way. That did not work in the postseason, as he allowed four runs on five hits, including two homers, and a walk, being charged with two blown saves in his three outings.

The Astros have to hope that James’ hip issues are the reason why his command has suddenly disappeared. He should be able to return to the team by the middle of the year at the latest, potentially allowing the Astros to add another high octane arm to their bullpen mix. But he will need to prove that he is healthy, and that his command issues are a thing of the past.

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Josh James required surgery to repair a labral tear in his left hip. That injury could explain his struggles for the Houston Astros during the 2020 campaign.

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