Reddick: Offensive slump a waiting game
After another night of singles and stranded baserunners, the Astros’ offense entered Tuesday below the major league average in every offensive category. Their .238 batting average is six points lower than the league average. Their .713 OPS dipped 26 points below.
Most who watch the club and know its players assume some resurrection will happen. The team returned eight of nine everyday starters from a 2019 lineup that struck a franchiserecord 288 home runs and slugged a major-league best .495.
“The one thing about these struggles is you’re always going to come out of it,” outfielder Josh Reddick said. “It’s just the waiting time that everyone gets frustrated with — of waiting for it to happen and waiting to come out of it.
“We’re all just tired of waiting for it to happen. If it doesn’t happen soon, we might be in trouble.”
Reddick arrived at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Tuesday with a .668 OPS. He stood 9-for-61 in September but was far from alone in his anemia. Alex Bregman was just 6-for-38 this month. Yuli Gurriel was 11for-68.
The Astros entered Tuesday’s game against the Mariners averaging 3.5 runs in 21 previous September games. The lineup had just a .636 OPS during the month and a .219 batting average.
Still, the Astros had a magic number of three to clinch second place in the American League West and a berth in the expanded 16-team playoffs. Two wins against the Mariners and one Angels loss would finish the job.
“It’s in our hands right now, and it’s in our control,” Reddick said. “We can’t rely on anyone else to make our destiny, and what we have to do is win. We have to find ways to win … We have to do something to make it happen because, like I said, we’re running out of time right now, and if we don’t step up, we’re going to be in trouble.”
Paredes adjusting to bullpen transition
Enoli Paredes personifies the season-long plight inside the Astros bullpen. The diminutive Dominican righthander had been a starting pitcher throughout his minor league career. Expanded rosters, a standout performance during summer camp and a barrage of bullpen injuries left Paredes as a highleverage reliever — a role he’s still learning.
Paredes’ preparation has transformed during his threemonth stint in the big league bullpen. As a starter, Paredes had a prescribed day to pitch and all day to get ready. He created a pregame routine, one he has completely abandoned. His first few major league outings might have been delayed due to the time it took him to warm up.
“It took a little time because my arm felt ready when I threw 20 pitches, like starting,” Paredes said Tuesday. “I took time, and my arm felt not ready to go, so I took more time. But with how the season is going, I’m learning like I told you so I can get ready quick.”
Another Dominican righthander with an abundance of bullpen experience helped Paredes hasten his learning curve. Paredes frequently shares text messages with Fernando Rodney, the three-time All-Star whom Houston signed to a minor league deal in July.
The two men grew up in the same Dominican town. Rodney’s advice to Paredes seemed simple: Watch the game and react accordingly.
“He told me, ‘Sometimes you know when you’re going to pitch,’ ” Paredes said. “So watch the game. If you see something wrong, start moving your body, start doing some exercises, and use the (medicine) ball.”
Paredes now proudly proclaims he can get ready with just five warmup pitches — among the fewest needed for any non-veteran Astros reliever. He still texts Rodney with questions, even though the Astros released the 43-year-old earlier this month. Paredes peppers closer Ryan Pressly for pointers as well.
Absorbing all of the information has turned Paredes into one of manager Dusty Baker’s most trusted relievers. Paredes entered Tuesday’s game against the Mariners with a 2.79 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 191⁄3 innings. His 10 walks are unsightly — but status quo for this group of young relievers still trying to find a way.
How Paredes profiles longer term is a more intriguing situation. His high-90s fastball and putaway slider have obvious upside in the bullpen. An exodus of veteran relievers is looming for the Astros, who could pass on tendering contract offers Joe Biagini, Chris Devenski and Roberto Osuna this offseason. Brad Peacock is entering free agency, to boot.
“When I have the opportunity in the game, it doesn’t matter if it’s in the first or second inning or as a reliever or starting, my plan is to help the team to get into the postseason,” Paredes said. “That’s the only thing I have on my mind.”