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Houston Astros keep adding to bullpen with Yimi Garcia

By David Hill

Jul 21, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (93) throws to the Washington Nationals during the tenth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (93) throws to the Washington Nationals during the tenth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros made a stunning move to improve their bullpen late on Tuesday as they shockingly added Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero to their relief corps. However, even with those moves, one had the sense that the Astros were not done.

That has proven to be the case. On Wednesday, they continued to bolster their bullpen, adding Yimi Garcia from the Marlins in exchange for minor league outfielder Bryan De La Cruz.

Houston Astros continue improving bullpen

The Astros, despite their position atop the AL West, were in desperate need of bullpen help. Garcia is the next piece of that puzzle. The Marlins closer had produced a solid 3.47 ERA and a 1.211 WHiP in his 36.1 innings, striking out 35 batters with 13 walks while notching 15 saves. That production would certainly help any team looking to improve the bullpen for a playoff run.

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While Garcia is likely third on the depth chart in terms of save opportunities, behind Graveman and Ryan Pressly, he would provide a solid bridge to the ninth inning. He has a career 3.41 ERA and a 1.024 WHiP, and aside from a rough 2018 campaign where he was returning from Tommy John surgery, has been a strong bullpen arm.

In exchange, the Marlins have added a Triple-A outfielder in De La Cruz. The 24 year old has had a solid year for the Sugar Land Skeeters, posting a .324/.362/.518 batting line with 12 homers and 17 doubles in 293 plate appearances. For a team in desperate need of long term options in the outfield, De La Cruz is worth a look.

There are, however, questions as to what the future will hold for him. He is projected to be anything between an Adam Duvall type to a bench piece with some pop and the ability to slot around the outfield. Yet, given his production and the Marlins’ search for anything to be a part of the future of their outfield, he is worth the gamble.

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The Houston Astros are continuing to load up in the bullpen, having added Yimi Garcia. While their relief corps has improved, they may not be done.

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