Spring Training Update

The Astros scored five runs on seven hits in the first two innings; unfortunately, they were only able to muster four scattered hits the rest of the game. Carlos Pena drove in three of the runs, two via the long ball. Brandon Barnes provided the only other extra base hit, a double in the eighth. Chris Carter drew the only two walks for the Astros. Jose Altuve and Tyler Greene each swiped a bag.

Alex White allowed three runs on seven hits, including a two-run home run by Collin Cowgill, in his four and a third innings of work. He walked one while striking out three. Kevin Chapman had a tough outing in the seventh, culminating in a two-out, two-run triple and his ouster from the game. Wes Musick came in to get a quick final out in the seventh. It was good to see Musick get that opportunity. He started last season at Lancaster and quickly moved first to Corpus Christi and then to Oklahoma City, having great success at each level before getting shut down for the season due to injury. As a lefty, he will most likely be given every chance to succeed.

As I noted in yesterday's update, I was becoming increasingly concerned with Jordan Lyles' spring numbers. I completely understand that spring stats are often fairly meaningless because pitchers are working on things, but Lyles was getting absolutely pounded - 36 hits and 23 earned runs over only 11 and two-thirds innings in five games. Therefore, I was not surprised that he was optioned to minor league camp on Wednesday. I have no doubt that he will get the bugs worked out and be back in the big leagues in no time, and at 22, he still has a long productive road in front of him, but for now I think it is absolutely the right move. John Ely was also optioned to minor league camp.

Spring Training Record: 9-13-2

Spring Training Game 24 Results: Mets 7, Astros 5
Spring Training Game 24 Minor League Standout: RHP David Martinez pitched the final two frames beautifully, facing only six batters and allowing no hits or runs while striking out two.

Spring Training Game 25:
Astros at Tigers 5:05 CST (Radio and MLB Network on delay)

SPRING TRAINING RESULTS
Spring Training Game 1 Results: Astros 8, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 2 Results: Astros 7, Mets 7
Spring Training Game 3 Results: Cardinals 10, Astros 2
Spring Training Game 4 Results: Rays 7, Astros (SS) 2 in six innings
Spring Training Game 5 Results: Astros (SS) 9, Detroit 4
Spring Training Game 6 Results: Astros 10, Blue Jays 1
Spring Training Game 7 Results: Astros 7, Yankees 6
Spring Training Game 8 Results: Astros 8, Cardinals 8
Spring Training Game 9 Results: Astros 6, Braves 5
Spring Training Game 10 Results: Pirates 8, Astros 6
Spring Training Game 11 Results: Tigers 8, Astros 5
Spring Training Game 12 Results: Nationals 7, Astros 1
Spring Training Game 13 Results: Astros 4, Nationals 2
Spring Training Game 14 Results: Braves 14, Astros 9
Spring Training Game 15 Results: Mets 9, Astros 6
Spring Training Game 16 Results: Phillies 7, Astros 1
Spring Training Game 17 Results: Astros 9, Marlins 4
Spring Training Game 18 Results: Nationals 9, Astros 7
Spring Training Game 19 Results: Nationals 6, Astros 3
Spring Training Game 20 Results: Pirates 3, Astros 2
Spring Training Game 21 Results: Astros 4, Nationals 2
Spring Training Game 22 Results: Astros 11, Blue Jays 2
Spring Training Game 23 Results: Blue Jays 10, Astros 6