Off-kilter James trying to find 2018 form
SEATTLE — The combination of a curtailed spring and inconsistent timing has contributed to Astros reliever Josh James’ subpar start to his anticipated rookie season.
In six appearances out of the bullpen, James has a 7.88 ERA. The righthander has yielded six earned runs during his last two innings.
Pitching against the Yankees on Wednesday with a five-run lead, James could not record an out in the seventh inning, allowing all four hitters he faced to reach base. He has allowed three home runs in eight innings, matching his total from all last season.
“He hasn’t been his best in the strike zone, and then when he has, his execution hasn’t been what we’ve seen in the past,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “You get reminded in this league that if you don’t execute, don’t have a clean delivery, that it can hurt you. If you put some extra baserunners on bases against the wrong type hitters, they can do some damage.”
James’ six walks are one fewer than he allowed during 23 major league innings last season. His four-seam fastball is not registering swings and misses, while timing issues have affected the execution of his slider.
“I don’t want to make anything bigger than it’s supposed to be. My timing is a little off,” James said. “It could be the lack of reps I’ve had in spring, or it could be I’ve done something different in my throwing program that caused me to be off in timing.”
Initially the favorite to win Houston’s fifth starter job in spring training, James suffered a strained right quad that sidelined him for two weeks and removed him from the competition. He threw just 41⁄3 Grapefruit League innings before making the first opening-day roster of his career.
“I don’t want to make excuses. I just have to get better. That’s kind of been my focus, and that’s what I’m going for,” James said. “It’s just about being able to repeat my delivery, feel the good reps and repeat those. This is still a learning process for me, so once I can kind of get into a rhythm, I think I’ll be fine.”
One year after throwing five pitches 100 mph or harder, James has yet to cross the threshold. His velocity is not down — he’s averaging 97 mph on his four-seam fastball, as he did last August — but his performance still lacks.
“I’m not that concerned about his velocity,” Hinch said. “More about his execution.”
Peacock remains on call in bullpen
Brad Peacock will be available out of the bullpen during the Astros’ upcoming two-game series against Oakland but will be “eased off ” during the threegame set against the Rangers this weekend to prepare for his reentrance into the starting rotation.
In relief of starter Wade Miley, Peacock threw 45 pitches across 31⁄3 innings of one-hit ball in Friday night’s 10-6 win over Seattle.
Peacock was pleased with his fastball command — he got five swings and misses against his two- and four-seamer — along with adequate control of his slider. He struck out seven Mariners and did not issue a walk.
Peacock struck out 2018 AllStar outfielder Mitch Haniger on his new changeup to begin his outing, which the 31-year-old righthander said was among the highlights of his evening.
Barring an unforeseen circumstance, Peacock is scheduled to return to the starting rotation April 23 against the Twins at Minute Maid Park.