Feldman might get another start during 10-game homestand
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Scott Feldman’s five efficient innings in Tuesday’s spot start might have earned the righthander another opportunity in the Astros’ rotation.
Manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday he has not ruled out giving Feldman another start in one of the Astros’ upcoming games against the Seattle Mariners or Oakland Athletics, their opponents in the final two series of a 10-game homestand that precedes the All-Star break. Feldman’s unavailability to pitch until at least Sunday buys Hinch a few days to consider the possibility.
“I’ll think about it,” Hinch said before Wednesday’s series finale against the Los Angels Angels. “We have 11 games counting today between now and the break, and I think he’s done everything to warrant that consideration.”
Although Feldman has pitched effectively in his long-relief role since he was bumped from the rotation in April, the Astros have incentive to showcase him in a starting role ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. Or perhaps Feldman pitches his way back into the rotation on a more permanent basis and bumps Mike Fiers and his 4.41 ERA to the bullpen.
Despite not having thrown more than three innings or 40 pitches in an outing since April 24, Feldman gave the Astros five innings in their 7-1 win Tuesday. He allowed only an unearned run and needed just 65 pitches, even after a two-out error by third baseman Luis Valbuena cost him 10 pitches in the third inning.
Feldman, who started in place of Lance McCullers (blister), recorded a 1.85 ERA over his 16 relief appearances spanning 241⁄3 innings. His velocity spiked to the 92-93 mph range in a relief role, typical for a starter who moves to the bullpen. On Tuesday, his sinker averaged 91.1 mph, according to BrooksBaseball.net.
“We’ll see what comes of it over the weekend, how our pitching does, how it’s used, how we want to get (Dallas) Keuchel and McCullers and (Collin) McHugh and these guys to the All-Star break,” Hinch said. “But it’s not out of the realm (Feldman gets another start).”
Would that mean another temporary six-man rotation?
“Not necessarily,” Hinch said. “With the off day (on Thursday), we’ll set the last 10 days the way we feel like we best match up. That may include five. That may include six. It may include Feldman. It may not. It’s a good problem to have.”
Feldman, who is making $8 million in the final season of his three-year deal, was asked after Tuesday’s game if he felt he deserved another shot in the rotation.
“It’s out of my hands,” he said. “All I can really do is just show up and try my hardest to get guys out. I love starting. But I also love being on this team. It’s a fun team to be on, and we’re playing really well right now.”
Gurriel gives Luhnow a look
Free-agent Cuban infielder Yulieski Gurriel on Wednesday posted to his Instagram account a photo of himself sporting an Astros cap, which suggests he worked out for team officials.
The workout took place in Florida, and general manager Jeff Luhnow attended, according to MLB.com.
Citing team policy, Luhnow declined to comment.
Recently declared a free agent, Gurriel, 32, has also held private workouts for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. When asked last week about Gurriel, Luhnow said, “We’ve done our homework, and we’re very well aware of the player and what we believe he’s capable of doing.”
Given their current organizational depth chart, the Astros appear a curious fit for Gurriel, who plays third base primarily.
Top shortstop prospect Alex Bregman, who could debut in the majors as soon as this season, played 11 games at third in Class AA and is expected to continue to see time there with Class AAA Fresno. The Astros also think highly of third-base prospect Colin Moran, who made his major league debut earlier this season and is batting .279 in Class AAA.
Gurriel could help a team at the major league level this season.
Odds and ends
A.J. Reed will enter Friday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox still in search of his first major league hit. Reed has struggled at the plate to begin his big league career, going 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts over his first four games. … Super utility man Marwin Gonzalez made his first start of the season in left field Wednesday. Colby Rasmus has just one hit in 17 career at-bats against the Angels’ Jered Weaver, who started the game.