Bielak hoping to get call as a fill-in starter
JUPITER, Fla. — There’s currently a three-way battle for the Astros’ No. 5 starter spot between Josh James, Austin Pruitt and Framber Valdez, but Brandon Bielak is trying to make a case for himself to be included in the mix down the road.
Last season, injuries forced the Astros to use 11 different starting pitchers — not even counting the three times Chris Devenski, Hector Rondon and
James started as openers.
Bielak, who turns 24 next month, hopes he can do enough this spring and in the minors to earn a nod if the big league club needs similar help this year.
Bielak made his third appearance of the spring Saturday, giving up a run in two innings in a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals.
The former 11th-round draft pick out of Notre Dame looked excellent in the first inning against the Cardinals’ regular lineup, striking out Kolten
Wong and Matt Carpenter and getting Paul Goldschmidt to ground out.
He lost control of his fastball in the second inning, hitting
Yadier Molina and walking the bases loaded before allowing a run.
“My main focus has been my glove-side fastball away to righties, and I had a tough time doing that in the second inning,” Bielak said.
Lighter Devenski is looking good
Chris Devenski reported to spring training 20 pounds lighter than he ended last season, determined to re-establish his position in the Astros bullpen.
He’s gotten good results so far, making four scoreless appearances in Grapefruit League play, including a hitless inning in the Astros’ 3-2 win over the Mets on Friday night.
“He threw the ball really well,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “He was up to 95 (mph), and everyone knows he has a dynamite changeup. He should be very pleased with himself.”
In 41⁄3 innings this spring, Devenski has given up three hits, two walks and struck out four.
With the Astros not expected to carry a lefthander in the bullpen, they would like to lean on Devenski as a weapon against lefties. In his career, Devenski has limited lefthanded hitters to a .209 average, including .111 in his 2017 All-Star season.
Virus forces change in autograph policy
The Astros and Nationals, who share a spring training complex at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla., issued changes to how the teams will handle autographs with fans for the rest of spring because of the coronavirus.
Both teams released a statement Saturday that players and coaches have been advised to avoid shaking hands and exchanging items such as pens and balls with fans. As an alternative, players will sign autographs ahead of time and distribute them to fans instead of the traditional glad-handing along the rail.
The teams’ statement said the changes were “based on recommendations issued by MLB, the CDC and the World Health Organization.”