Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, April 27, 2015 and Tuesday, April 28, 2015

A pretty forgettable last couple of days on the farm.

Monday: Fresno 4, Reno 2

W- Jake Buchanan (2-0)
L- Blake Beavan (0-1)
S- Kevin Chapman (1)

Fresno home runs: Preston Tucker (8, solo in 5th)

Another big night for Preston Tucker, who is sending baseballs out of ballparks with quite a bit of regularity. He finished 3-4 and opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st, then in the 5th, he bashed his organization-leading 8th homer of the year. The Grizz got 2 in the 4th inning on a Max Stassi RBI single and a sac fly from Nolan Fontana.

Jake Buchanan went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 9 hits (solo homer) and struck out 2. Darin Downs struck out 2 over 1.2 near-perfect frames; he hit a batter. Jordan Jankowski got the final out of the 7th and the first out of the 8th inning. He allowed a hit, walked 1, struck out 1, and uncorked a wild pitch. Despite facing a bases-loaded situation in the 8th, Kevin Chapman was able to seal the win as he walked 1 and struck out 2.

Tuesday: Reno 3, Fresno 2

W- A.J. Schugel (1-2)
L- Dan Straily (2-1)
S- Jake Barrett (4)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies threatened in the bottom of the 9th as they got some traffic on the basepaths, but.... no cigar. They were foiled in their bid to sweep the series.

Their 2 runs came in the 5th inning on a Preston Tucker sac fly and a Domingo Santana RBI triple. Ronald Torreyes led off the bottom of the 9th with a double, but he was thrown out at home trying to score the tying run on a Nolan Fontana fielder's choice. Alex Presley and Preston Tucker walked to load the bases, but sadly, Jon Singleton flied out to end the game.

Dan Straily pitched 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Richard Rodriguez struck out 2 over 3 perfect frames, and James Hoyt struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Fresno has a day off as they head up to Tacoma; they'll finish up April and begin May there.

Monday: Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8

W- Jonathan Joseph (1-0)
L- Kent Emanuel (1-1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks walked off with the loss as Carson Blair took Kent Emanuel deep to tie the game at 8, and Matt Olson hit a sac fly to bring home Chad Oberacker with the winning run.

Carlos Correa got things started when he cracked an RBI triple in the 1st inning. He drove in another run with a single in the 3rd inning. Two batters later, Tyler White added a 2-run single. Leo Heras hit an RBI single in the 4th. After the Rockhounds took a 7-5 lead into the 7th inning, Corpus went back to work as Conrad Gregor made it a 1-run game with an RBI double, and then in the 8th, they took the lead thanks to a Tony Kemp RBI groundout and a Colin Moran RBI double.

Kemp went 1-3 with the RBI groundout, 2 walks, and scored 3 times. Moran, who stretched his hitting streak to 5 games, finished 3-5 with 2 doubles and a run scored; he's ripped 5 doubles during that streak. Tyler White finished 2-4, and Telvin Nash went 2-3 with a run scored.

Aaron West went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs, all on 3 home runs; he allowed 2 solo homers and was taken deep for a 3-run homer. He also allowed 4 other hits and struck out 3. Kent Emanuel tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer), walking 2, and striking out 1. Mitch Lambson got 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, allowing a hit and walking 1.

Tuesday: Midland 8, Corpus Christi 4

W- Joey Wagman (1-0)
L- Kyle Westwood (1-1)

CC home runs: Carlos Correa (5, solo in 8th)

Rough day for Hooks pitchers, who walked 7 and allowed 13 hits. They also gave up 8 runs.

The Hooks got on the board first with a Conrad Gregor sac fly in the 1st. Unfortunately, they would not score again until the 8th; in between, Midland scored 7 runs. Carlos Correa finished 2-2 with a double and a solo homer in the 8th inning. Corpus got 2 more in the 9th on an RBI double from Telvin Nash and an RBI single from Teoscar Hernandez. Tyler Heineman went 2-4. Correa's 2-2 day raised his average to an even .400. Be still, my heart.

Kyle Westwood allowed 4 runs on 10 hits and walked 2 over 4.1 innings. Jonas Dufek tagged in for 2.1 innings; he allowed 3 runs on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. He had all the strikeouts for the Hooks in this game. Angel Báez pitched 1.1 innings and walked 2; the only hit and run he allowed came off a solo homer from Colin Walsh in the 8th.

Mark Appel takes the hill in game 3 of this series; he'll take on Jake Sanchez at 6:30.

Tuesday: Rancho Cucamonga 10, Lancaster 5

W- Scott Barlow (2-1)
L- Evan Grills (1-2)

Lancaster home runs: Jack Mayfield (1, solo in 2nd)

In this battle for first place, the Quakes fired the first shot as they doubled up the JetHawks.

Jack Mayfield's first homer of the year put Lancaster on the scoreboard in the 2nd and tied the game at 1. Unfortunately, that would be the only run they would score until the 7th, as the Quakes built up a 9-1 lead on the strength of a 6-run 6th inning. In the 7th, though, the JetHawks got a bases-clearing triple from Chan-Jong Moon, who ended up scoring himself on a wild pitch. Unfortunately, that outburst wouldn't be enough in this one. Moon and J.D. Davis finished with 2 hits apiece.

Evan Grills went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 3. Tyler Brunnemann worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless 5th, striking out 2. Troy Scribner tagged in for 3 innings and allowed 7 runs on 6 hits (5 singles and a solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3. Gonzalo Sañudo walked 1 in a scoreless 9th.

In game 2, Blaine Sims will face Jeff Brigham at 6:30 Pacific.


Tuesday: Cedar Rapids 1, Quad Cities 0 in 11 innings

W- Cameron Booser (1-0)
L- Joe Musgrove (3-1)
S- Trevor Hildenberger (2)

QC home runs: None.

Well, that stunk...

Joe Musgrove probably would've liked to have that 11th inning back as the first 3 Kernels to bat in the inning reached base on him; 2 of them reached on errors that he committed, and Cedar Rapids ended up getting the only run (which was unearned) of the game off of him on a sac fly. That was a tough end to an otherwise fine outing for Musgrove, who went 6 innings and allowed 4 hits while striking out 1. Bryan Radziewski was absolutely stellar in his start as he allowed just 2 hits and struck out 4 over 5 shutout innings.

The River Bandits outhit Cedar Rapids 9-6, but they were unable to get a run across. Mott Hyde went 3-5 with a double, while Sean McMullen finished 2-4 with a triple.

In game 2 of this series, Dan Mengden will take on Mat Batts at 7.

Monday's Three Stars


3.

Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi

2-4, 3B, 2 RBI

2.

Colin Moran, 3B, Corpus Christi

3-5, 2 2B, RBI, R

1.

Preston Tucker, OF, Fresno

3-4, solo HR (8; leads organization), 2 RBI

Tuesday's Three Stars: Position Players

3. 

Mott Hyde, 2B/SS, Quad Cities

3-5, 2B

2. 

Chan-Jong Moon, SS/2B, Lancaster

2-4, 3-R 3B in 7th, R

1. 

Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi

2-2, 2B, solo HR (5)

Tuesday's Three Stars: Pitchers

3. 

Joe Musgrove, RHP, Quad Cities

L (3-1), 6 IP, 4 H, unearned run, K

2. 

Bryan Radziewski, LHP, Quad Cities

5 IP, 2 H, 4 K

1. 

Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Fresno

3 IP, 2 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Salt Lake 3, Fresno 2

W- Steven Hensley (1-0)
L- Kevin Chapman (1-2)

Fresno home runs: None.

Once again, Fresno got some runs late, only to see Salt Lake walk off with a win. Joe Sclafani's error allowed Alfredo Marte to score the winning run in the 9th.

They were kept off the scoreboard until the top of the 9th, when L.J. Hoes ripped an RBI double to make it a 1-run game, one of his 5 hits on the night. After Jon Singleton was intentionally walked to load the bases and Matt Duffy became a strikeout victim, Preston Tucker tied the game at 2 with an RBI single. Unfortunately, Hoes was thrown out at home trying to score the go-ahead run.

Dan Straily went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Richard Rodriguez was the first man out; he allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 3 innings of relief. Kevin Chapman was saddled with the loss; the walk-off run was unearned. He allowed 2 hits and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings.

In tonight's game, Alex White takes the mound. First pitch is at 5:35 Pacific.

Corpus Christi was off

The Hooks are in Frisco, where they'll play 4 games. In game 1, Mark Appel will take on Jake Thompson at 7:05.

Lancaster 5, Rancho Cucamonga 3

W- Troy Scribner (1-0)
L- Scott Barlow (1-1)
S- Chris Cotton (2)

Lancaster home runs: Chase McDonald (4, 2-run in 6th)

The JetHawks only scored in 1 inning, but that was enough for them to get the win. All 5 of their runs came in the 6th inning, and their lead held up despite allowing 2 runs in the 8th.

Troy Scribner was awesome in his 5 innings; he allowed a run on a wild pitch/strikeout, walked 1, and struck out 9. The only hit he allowed was a single to Tyler Ogle to lead off the 2nd. Evan Grills tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking 3, and striking out 1. Chris Cotton closed it out, striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Brian Holberton kicked things off in that big 6th inning with a single. Jack Mayfield followed by reaching on an error on a force out attempt, and they both advanced a base on a Brett Phillips sac bunt. Chan-Jong Moon tied the game with an RBI single. After J.D. Davis struck out for the 2nd out, A.J. Reed put Lancaster ahead with a 2-run double. Chase McDonald delivered the haymaker in the form of a 2-run home run, his 4th of the campaign. Moon finished 2-4.

The JetHawks return to The Hangar tonight as they welcome the Modesto Nuts for a 4-game set. Blaine Sims will take on Harrison Musgrave at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 6, Peoria 2

W- Joe Musgrove (3-0)
L- Austin Gomber (1-2)

QC home runs: Jake Nottingham (3, 2-run in 2nd), Ryan Bottger (1, solo in 4th), Jorge Martinez (2, 2-run in 5th)

The Banditos busted out the heavy artillery in this matinee as 5 of their 6 runs came off of the three home runs you see above. Alex Hernandez hit a double in the 6th for the only non-home run RBI. Kristian Trompiz finished 2-4 with a run scored; he's now on a 5-game hitting streak, and it's also the 3rd consecutive game in which he's recorded 2 hits. Mott Hyde went 0-2, but he drew 2 walks and scored 2 runs.

Joe Musgrove turned in another fine performance on the mound; he threw 5.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 9, which tied a career-high he set last July 16 against Aberdeen. The two relievers, Keegan Yuhl and Ryan Thompson, finished it off with 3.1 perfect frames. Yuhl struck out 1 in 1.1, and The Closer fanned 2 in 2.

Quad Cities looks for the sweep as Austin Chrismon takes on Daniel Poncedeleon at 7.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Chan-Jong Moon, IF, Lancaster

2-4, game-tying RBI single in 6th, R

2.

Chase McDonald, 1B/DH, Lancaster

1-4, 2-R HR (4)

1. 

View image | gettyimages.com

L.J. Hoes, OF, Fresno
5-5, RBI 2B in 9th, R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3. 

Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Fresno

3 IP, H, BB, 2 K

2. 

Joe Musgrove, RHP, Quad Cities

W (3-0), 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 earned), BB, 9 K

1. 

Troy Scribner, RHP, Lancaster

W (1-0), 5 IP, H, ER, BB, 9 K

Honorable Mentions

- Keegan Yuhl and Ryan Thompson shut it down for Quad Cities.
- Kristian Trompiz is holding his own as the youngest regular in the River Bandits lineup.
- It's been a slow start for A.J. Reed, but he's got a hit in 6 of his last 7 games. Given his track record, expect him to really turn it on soon.
- After getting bombarded in his late-season cameo in Lancaster last season, Chris Cotton has absolutely shackled the California League so far.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, April 13, 2015

Fresno 9, Salt Lake 8

W- Richard Rodriguez (1-0)

L- Zach Stewart (0-1)

S- James Hoyt (1)

Fresno home runs: Jon Singleton (1, 3-run in 3rd), Domingo Santana (1, solo in 6th)

The Grizzlies started this one off well behind the 8-ball as the Bees struck for 6 in the top of the 1st inning. However, they responded with an 8-run 3rd inning, and Richard Rodriguez and the bullpen backed up Brady Rodgers as they restored some order to the game.

Rodgers struggled in his 4 innings as he gave up 7 runs on 11 hits and struck out 2. Rodriguez was the first man out; he allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and walked 1 in 2.2 innings. He left with 2 runners on in the top of the 7th for Kevin Chapman, who got the final out without incident. Josh Fields worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless 8th, striking out 1, and James Hoyt closed it out with a 1-2-3 9th, striking out 1.

8 of the 9 Fresno runs came in the 3rd inning. Domingo's walk to lead off the inning turned out to be the spark that ignited it all. He advanced to 3rd on an L.J. Hoes single and scored the Grizzlies' first run on a Ronald Torreyes groundout. After a Joe Sclafani walk, Alex Presley hit an RBI single. One batter later, Jon Singleton clubbed a 3-run home run to make it a 1-run game. After Matt Duffy struck out, Preston Tucker and Max Stassi reached with singles. Santana, in his second trip to the plate in the inning, tied the game with an RBI single. Hoes proceeded to give the Grizz the lead with a 2-run single. The other run came in the 6th, courtesy of a solo homer smacked by Santana, who finished 2-3 with 3 runs scored and a walk. L.J. Hoes also went 2-3, while Preston Tucker finished 2-4. Tucker has recorded a hit in all 5 games.

Brad Peacock was originally scheduled to make his 2nd rehab start, but he was recalled to Houston, where he'll be starting against Oakland tonight. Salt Lake will have Garrett Richards on the mound for a rehab start. First pitch is at 6:35 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 3

W- Mike Hauschild (1-0)

L- Chin-hui Tsao (0-1)

S- Tyson Perez (1)

CC home runs: None.

Corpus Christi has stormed out of the gate with 5 straight wins. They were outhit 11-6 in this game, but they doubled up the Drillers in the column that matters the most. 

The difference was Carlos Correa's bases-clearing double in the 6th inning, which broke a 3-3 tie. Brandon Meredith kicked things off with a 2-run single in the 2nd, and in the 4th, Jio Mier hit an RBI single that was deflected into the outfield by Tulsa starter Matt Shelton.

Hooks pitchers did not issue a walk in this game. Mike Hauschild went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits (solo homer) and struck out 8. Mitch Lambson was the first man out, and he fired 2 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 3. Jandel Gustave struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Tyson Perez worked around a hit to record his first save of the season.

The Hooks will look to sweep their season-opening roadtrip as Aaron West and Kent Emanuel will square off against Chris Anderson this afternoon. First pitch is at 12:05.

Stockton 13, Lancaster 4

W- Lou Trivino (1-0)

L- Blaine Sims (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: None.

Tough night for the JetHawks pitchers as they got hammered by the Ports. It was an especially rough night behind the plate for Jobduan Morales, who was charged with 4 passed balls. 

Chase McDonald hit a sac fly in the 4th and ripped an RBI double in the 6th. The JetHawks added 2 more runs in the 6th as Danry Vásquez drove in a run on a groundout and Marc Wik hit an RBI double of his own. Danry finished 2-4 with a double. 

Blaine Sims went 5 innings and allowed 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits, walked 4, and struck out 2. Randall Fant pitched the next 3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits (solo and 3-run homers), walking 1, and striking out 1. Chris Cotton pitched the 9th and allowed a 2-run homer to Franklin Barreto. He allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 1.

In game 2 of this series, Edison Frias and Brian Holmes will take on Dylan Covey at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 6, Clinton 2

W- Brock Dykxhoorn (1-0)

L- Lukas Schiraldi (0-1)

S- Josh James (1)

QC home runs: D.J. Fisher (1, 2-run in 3rd), Jake Nottingham (2, solo in 3rd)

The Bandits took the series as they scored 6 in the first third of the game and got an outstanding start from Brock Dykxhoorn. 

The big Canadian allowed just 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6 over 5 shutout innings. Josh James pitched the final 4 innings; the LumberKings spoiled the shutout when Nelson Ward hit a 2-run homer off of James in the 6th, but those were the only 2 runs they could muster up. James allowed one other hit, walked 2, and struck out 3.

Nick Tanielu had a big night at the plate, going 3-4 with 2 doubles, an RBI, and a run scored. His first double opened up the scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Kristian Trompiz hit a sac fly in the 2nd. After Jamie Ritchie led off the 3rd with a walk, D.J. Fisher smacked his 1st homer of the year. Tanielu followed that up with his 2nd double of the game, and he would score on a wild pitch/error. Jake Nottingham homered for the 2nd straight game; his solo shot was the final Quad Cities run of the game.

The Bandits will look for the sweep as they send Kevin Comer to the mound. He and Chris Lee will take on Jeffeson Medina at 7:00.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

View image | gettyimages.com

L.J. Hoes, OF, Fresno
2-3, 2 RBI, R

2.

Nick Tanielu, IF, Quad Cities

3-4, 2 2B, RBI, R

1.

View image | gettyimages.com

Domingo Santana, OF, Fresno

2-3, solo HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Fresno

W (1-0); 2.2 IP, 2 H, unearned run, BB

2.

Mitch Lambson, LHP, Corpus Christi

Hold (1); 2 IP, 3 H, 3 K

1.

Brock Dykxhoorn, RHP, Quad Cities

W (1-0); 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Honorable Mentions

- Jon Singleton continues his torrid start. Like I said, we haven't heard the last of him.
- Chase McDonald has really shined in the early going for Lancaster.
- Jake Nottingham has provided some outstanding early returns at the plate for Quad Cities.
- Kevin Chapman, Josh Fields, and James Hoyt kept Salt Lake at bay and secured the win.
- Carlos Correa does what Carlos Correa does: hit doubles. Pretty soon, those doubles will be turning in to homers... 

Happy Birthday - 3/4

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Richard Rodriguez (25)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2010, Rodriguez was moved around a lot in 2014 among Lancaster, Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City, but started and ended the season for the OKC squad. In a combined 34 appearances, he was 2-2 with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.006 WHIP. He walked 10 and struck out 67 in 59.2 innings.

One former Astro also celebrates ~

2B Andy Mota (49)
Drafted by Houston in the 12th round in 1987, Andy didn't have quite the success that his father Manny had in the major leagues. Andy appeared in 27 games for Houston in 1991, hitting .189/.198/.244. In eight minor league seasons, he hit .293/.347/.408.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Oklahoma City was off

They'll begin a 4-game series in Omaha tonight at 7:05. Brett Oberholtzer will face Aaron Brooks.

Midland 2, Corpus Christi 0

W- Shawn Haviland (4-2)
L- David Rollins (0-2)
S- Tucker Healy (1)

CC home runs: None.

The difference in this game was those 2 runs for the RockHounds off David Rollins in the 4th. Rollins pitched 4 innings and allowed 6 hits while striking out 5. Richard Rodriguez, in his AA debut, pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 hits and struck out 4. Tyson Perez issued 2 walks in the 7th, but allowed nothing more. Michael Dimock struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

Carlos Perdomo and Tyler Heineman had 2 hits apiece. The other 2 Hooks hits belonged to Jonathan Meyer and M.P. Cokinos.

In game 3 of this series, Mike Hauschild will take on Nate Long at 7:00.

Lancaster 12, Inland Empire 8

W- Chris Devenski (3-5)
L- Mark Sappington (0-3, 1-7 season)

Lancaster home runs: Conrad Gregor (2, 3 season; 3-run in 4th)

The JetHawks won the series behind a solid pitching performance from Chris Devenski and a perfect night at the plate from Conrad Gregor. It got hairy in the 6th, as the 66ers scored 5 in the frame to make it a 9-8 game, but the JetHawks pulled themselves together and were able to put IE away.

Devenski went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and struck out 8. Josh Hader got knocked around in his 3 innings, allowing 5 unearned runs on 4 hits (3-run homer), walking 2 and striking out 3. Juan Minaya finished with a 1-2-3 9th, striking out 1.

Gregor finished 5-5 and was a triple shy of the cycle. He scored 3 runs, hit an RBI single in the 3rd and a 3-run homer in the 4th. Jordan Scott went 2-5 and opened up the scoring in the 2nd with an RBI double. One batter later, Tony Kemp ripped a 2-run double. Before Gregor's shot in the 4th, Carlos Correa grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Teoscar Hernandez to score, and Dan Gulbransen hit an RBI single. Gregor scored the Taco Run when he came home on Ruben Sosa's sac fly in the 6th, and Jobduan Morales provided a little more separation with a 2-run single in the 7th. JetHawks batters drew 11 walks and struck out only 5 times. Correa's 7-game hitting streak was snapped, but he walked 3 times, scored a run, and went 2-3 on steals (17). Teoscar walked twice, scored twice, and stole 3 (19). Kemp also had a swipe, giving him 22 on the season.

The JetHawks will go for the sweep as Brian Holmes will take on Elliot Morris at 6:30 Pacific.

Burlington 6, Quad Cities 3

W- Alfonso Alcantara (3-3)
L- Jandel Gustave (5-3)
S- Brian Loconsole (1)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos dropped the series opener as they fell behind 5-0 after the 5th. They got 3 in the 6th, but it's sort of tough to win when you only score in 1 inning. Also tough to win when you only get 2 hits, but then again, the Padres only had 1 hit last night and still beat the Pirates 3-2.

Chan-Jong Moon got QC on the board with a bases-loaded walk, and one batter later, Brett Phillips poked a 2-run single through the right side of the infield. The other QC hit belonged to Jake Rodriguez.

Jandel Gustave went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Pat Christensen pitched the final 3 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3.

The middle game of this series features Michael Feliz on the mound for the River Bandits. He'll be taking on Harrison Cooney at 6:30.

DSL Astros Blue 7, DSL Royals 2

W- Joselo Pinales (1-0)
L- Ofreidy Gomez (0-1)
S- Lachlan Madden (1)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team split their matchup with the Royals as they got 2 in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th to jump out to a 6-0 lead.

Jonathan Matute opened up the scoring with an RBI single, and Edgar Lorenzo hit a sac fly in the 2nd. In the 3rd, Joan Mauricio hit into a fielder's choice that allowed Wander Franco to score, and Carlos Canelon hit an RBI groundout. Connor MacDonald went 3-4 with a double, a 2-run single in the 4th, and 2 runs scored. Nestor Tejada grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Lorenzo in the 8th. Wander Franco went 1-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 walks.

Joselo Pinales went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 4. Gabriel Pirela went 2 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits and struck out 2. Carlos Sanabria got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout, but he issued 3 walks and left the bases loaded for Lachlan Madden, who averted disaster and got the save. He allowed a hit in the 9th and struck out 3.

The Blue team will welcome the Rays to their complex with a game set to begin at 10:30 Atlantic. The Dominican Republic is on standard time year-round, but right now, it's the same time as Eastern Daylight Time.

DSL Rangers1 6, DSL Astros Orange 3

W- Marcos Diplan (1-0)
L- Joel Belboder (0-1)
S- Albert Decena (2)

Orange home runs: None.

The Orange team is still on the schneid as a 4-run 5th from the Rangers did them in.

Luis Vásquez hit an RBI groundout in the 1st to put them on the board first. Rodrigo Ayarza, who spent the last 2 seasons with the Rangers' DSL club, hit an RBI single in the 7th, and Vicente Sanchez scored on an errant pickoff throw in the 8th.

Joel Belboder pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits and walked 1. Bryan Abreu allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 2.2 innings. Juan Cuevas threw a 1-2-3 8th.

The Orange team will face the Yankees 2 at the Yankees' complex.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.

Jobduan Morales, C, Lancaster

2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

2.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Green

Connor MacDonald, 1B, DSL Astros Blue

3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

1.

#169991344 / gettyimages.com

Conrad Gregor, 1B, Lancaster
5-5, 2B, 3-R HR (2, 3 season), 4 RBI, 3 R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.

Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Corpus Christi

2 IP, 2 H, 4 K; AA debut

2.

Chris Devenski, RHP, Lancaster

W (3-5), 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 earned), 8 K

1. Joselo Pinales, RHP, DSL Astros Blue: 5 IP, 2 H, unearned run, 4 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, April 28, 2014

Oklahoma City 4, Round Rock 1

W- Darin Downs (1-2)
L- Daniel McCutchen (0-1)

OKC home runs: Domingo Santana (3, 2-run in 6th), Jon Singleton (9, solo in 8th)

The RedHawks took the opener with 4 unanswered runs.

Domingo Santana broke a 1-1 tie with his 2-run homer, and Jon Singleton sealed it with his PCL-leading 9th blast of the year. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Jonathan Meyer. Robbie Grossman went 2-4 with an RBI single in the 3rd that put OKC on the board and tied the game at 1. OKC got 2-4 nights from Grossman, Ronald Torreyes, and Carlos Perez.

Rudy Owens went 4 innings and gave up a run on 6 hits and struck out 4. Darin Downs was the first man out of the bullpen and threw 2 scoreless, allowing a hit and striking out 1. Jason Stoffel struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 7th, Kevin Chapman allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 over 1.1 scoreless frames, and Josh Zeid got the final 2 outs of the evening, striking out 1.

Mike Foltynewicz will be on the mound for game 2 of this series. He'll be taking on Justin Germano at 7:05.

Corpus Christi 11, Frisco 2

W- Michael Dimock (1-0)
L- Alec Asher (1-3)

CC home runs: René Garcia (2, solo in 4th), Andrew Aplin (1, 2-run in 7th), Preston Tucker (5, solo in 7th)

The Hooks earned the split in emphatic fashion as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead after 4 innings, and after Frisco scored a pair in the 5th, buried them with 6 unanswered to close out the game.

Before Aplin went deep, he opened up the scoring with a 2-run single in the 3rd. Not long after that, Tucker joined in on the act with a 2-run ground rule double. René Garcia added to the lead by starting off the bottom of the 4th with a homer. Leo Heras clubbed an RBI triple in the 6th and wound up scoring on a wild pitch. Aplin and Tucker then destroyed Jon Edwards' soul by taking him deep in the 7th. And finally, Joe Sclafani provided the cherry with an RBI triple in the 8th. Tucker finished 3-4, Aplin went 2-5, and they were joined in the multi-hit club by Jio Mier, who finished 2-4 with a double and 2 runs scored.

Luis Cruz started off with 4 scoreless and allowed 2 hits while striking out 4. R.J. Alaniz tagged in for 2.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 4, and fanned 1. Michael Dimock finished it off with 2.1 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 1.

Corpus will now hit the road for 4 in scenic Midland, Texas. The starters for this series have not been announced yet. In the opener, someone will take the mound to take on Andrew Werner at 6:30.

High Desert 13, Lancaster 4

W- Tyler Olson (2-1)
L- Kyle Westwood (1-2)
S- Blake Hauser (1)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks were sent to their 3rd straight loss as the Mavericks scored a touchdown in the top of the 9th to complement their 3 safeties.

Kyle Westwood went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits (2-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 1. Mitch Lambson pitched the next 2 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits and struck out 4. Richard Rodriguez, who was just activated prior to the game, was the only JetHawk pitcher to have a scoreless outing, striking out 4 over 2 perfect frames. Juan Minaya bore the brunt of the High Desert assault, as he gave up 7 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits and walked 3, getting 2 outs in the 9th. Dan Minor got the final out of the 9th, but not before allowing a 2-run triple to Tim Lopes.

The offense didn't mail it in, though, as they got a pair in the 8th on a couple of RBI singles from Rio Ruiz and Bobby Borchering, and 2 more in the 9th on a Ruben Sosa RBI single and a Tony Kemp RBI triple. Kemp and Brandon Meredith had 2 hits apiece, while Sosa (5) and Teoscar Hernandez (8) stole a base.

In game 2 of this series, Lance McCullers and Kyle Smith will face Scott DeCecco. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities and Clinton was postponed

There will now be two doubleheaders in this series. The first set of two will begin not long from now, with the first game beginning at 11 A.M. Andrew Thurman will start game 1 against Eddie Campbell, and Chris Lee will take on Tommy Burns in game 2.


Three Stars

3.

Domingo Santana, LF, Oklahoma City

Go-ahead 2-R HR (3) in 6th

Jon Singleton, 1B, Oklahoma City

Solo HR (9, leads PCL)

2.

Luis Cruz, LHP, Corpus Christi

4 IP, 2 H, 4 K

Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Lancaster

2 IP, 4 K (season debut)

1.

Andrew Aplin, CF, Corpus Christi

2-5, 2-R HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R

Preston Tucker, RF, Corpus Christi

3-4, 2B, solo HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R

Honorable Mentions: Jio Mier, Rudy Owens, Robbie Grossman, Tony Kemp, Michael Dimock

Happy Birthday - 3/4

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Richard Rodriguez (24)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2010, Rodriguez started the 2013 season at Quad Cities and ended it there, but pitched in 16 games at Tri-City in the interim. In 30 total appearances out of the bullpen, he was 4-1 with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.331 WHIP.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

2B Andy Mota (48)
Drafted by Houston in the 12th round in 1987, Andy didn't have quite the success that his father Manny had in the major leagues. Andy appeared in 27 games for Houston in 1991, hitting .189/.198/.244. In eight minor league seasons, he hit .293/.347/.408.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves

Three moves from yesterday ~

Oklahoma City
RHP Ross Seaton assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City

Quad Cities
RHP Richard Rodriguez assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities

Tri-City
RHP Krishawn Holley assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City

Roster Moves

In addition to the news that OF Fernando Martinez cleared waivers and has been assigned to Oklahoma City, RHP Philip Humber has been DFA'd and RHP Edgar Gonzalez has been resigned, there are a couple of additional moves at Quad Cities.

QUAD CITIES
RHP Mike Hauschild assigned from Quad Cities to Extended Spring Training.
RHP Cameron Lamb assigned from Quad Cities to Extended Spring Training.
RHP Richard Rodriguez assigned from Extended Spring Training to Quad Cities.

There have been a lot temporary re-assignments back and forth to/from Extended Spring Training so don't read too much into these except for the assignment of Richard Rodriguez to Quad Cities since that is a new assignment. I'm assuming that Lamb is a temporary move to make room for Josh Fields on his rehab assignment.

Happy Birthday - 3/4

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Richard Rodriguez (23)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez spent the majority of his 2012 season at Greeneville (with one start at Lexington). In nine games (seven starts), he was 2-1 with a 3.82 ERA and a 1.132 WHIP. In 35 and a third innings, he had 41 strikeouts to only 10 walks.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

2B Andy Mota (47)
Drafted by Houston in the 12th round in 1987, Andy didn't have quite the success that his father Manny had in the major leagues. Andy appeared in 27 games for Houston in 1991, hitting .189/.198/.244. In eight minor league seasons, he hit .293/.347/.408.

Greeneville Astros - August 2012

Over the last couple of weeks, I've attempted to cull through and organize hundreds of photos I took at the various minor league venues during the 2012 season. Here are a few you may enjoy. I have also uploaded photos to Flickr. You can find my Greeneville photos from August 2012 here. Unfortunately, I haven't tagged the photos yet, but hope to do so at some point during the off-season. I promise I will try to upload and post pictures in a more timely manner in the coming season!

Ariel Ovando

Adrian Houser

Marc Wik

Angel Ibanez

Richard Rodriguez

Photos by Jayne Hansen

 All Rights Reserved*

*The players and coaches featured in these photos are hereby granted permission to use these photos for personal uses. All other uses require permission and acknowledgment. 

Roster Moves

Greeneville
RHP Richard Rodriguez was assigned from the GCL to Greeneville.
RHP Kevin Comer was assigned to Greeneville.

Roster Moves

Oklahoma City
RHP Jose Valdez was activated from the 7-day DL.

Tri-City
3B Kyle Redinger was assigned from the GCL to Tri-City.

GCL
RHP Richard Rodriguez was assigned from Greeneville to the GCL.
OF Edwin Gomez was signed and assigned to the GCL (Gomez has actually been with the GCL for 6 games now and is hitting .333.)

Another one I missed - The Astros signed RHP Gera Sanchez, a NDFA from New Mexico. It doesn't appear that he has been assigned to a team yet.

Minor League Schedule and Recaps

[Note: If you're reading this from RSS, you may have missed the standings I put on the front page. As of this morning, seven of eight Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better. Corpus Christi is now tied for first place in the overall standings while lagging by only one game behind the Missions in the second half race.]

Sunday's Games

Asheville	Lexington	12:35 CST MiLB.tv	Winkler, Daniel (8-5, 4.75)
Greeneville	Kingsport	4:00 CST	Ramirez, Francis (1-0, 5.14)	Morris, Akeel (0-2, 10.29)
Tri-City	Lowell	4:05 CST	West, Aaron (1-0, 0.00)	Velette, Raynel (1-1, 4.35)
NW Arkansas	Corpus Christi	6:05 CST MiLB.tv	Marimon, Sugar Ray (0-0, 1.50)	Cosart, Jarred (4-4, 3.65)
Memphis	Oklahoma City	6:05 CST MiLB.tv	Lyons, Tyler (0-2, 7.47)	Galarraga, Armando (1-1, 2.16)
Lancaster	Modesto	8:05 CST	Tropeano, Nick (0-0, -.--)

Saturday's Results

DSL Astros over DSL Indians 3-2
Juan Hernandez gave up two runs in his five inning start, but Javier Saucedo got the win in relief as the Astros scored late. Randy Cesar (3x4), Jarico Reynoso (2x3, 3B), and Frederick Serrano (2x4, 2B) all had good days at the plate. The winning run came in courtesy of an Arturo Michelina walk-off single.

GCL Astros over GCL Nationals 3-2
Michael Feliz (W, 2-0) didn't get the start but did the heavy lifting, pitching six innings and allowing two runs. Erick Gonzalez got his third save of the season. Franny Polanco was three-for-three with two RBIs; Wallace Gonzalez was two-for-three with a double and a triple; and Darwin Rivera hit a solo home run.

Tri-City over Connecticut 14-5
Tri-City has now won eight in a row and they completely dominated Connecticut, leading from the first inning on and putting up three four-run innings. And I'm sure that starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez couldn't have been happier. Velasquez earned his second win, as he allowed one run on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over six innings. Relievers Brad Propst and Jamaine Cotton each allowed two runs. Big nights at the plate for Austin Elkins (3x4, 2R), Dan Gulbransen (3x3, 2B, HR, 5RBI, 2BB, 2R), Jesse Wierzbicki (2x4, BB, 2R); Joe Sclafini (2x4, 2RBI); and Jobduan Morales with a grand slam.

Asheville over Lexington 13-8
A seven-run seventh inning by Asheville was the nail in Lexington's coffin. Mike Foltynewicz (L, 9-2) had a rare subpar outing in his first loss since his first start of the season as he allowed six runs (five earned) over his six innings. Nate Pettus only managed to get one out in the seventh while allowing seven runs. He was quickly bailed out by Mitch Lambson in his first appearance since his promotion to Lexington. Luis Alvarez, a catcher, also pitched an inning and allowed no hits or runs. Matt Duffy was three-for-five with three RBIs; Justin Gominsky had two doubles; Roberto Pena was two-for-five with two runs; Ruben Sosa got two runs in his first appearance for Lexington; and Delino DeShields stole three bases to increase his season total to 57.


Memphis over Oklahoma City 20-6
Apparently, the Redhawks heard about Lexington having a catcher pitch in their game, so they decided to have a left fielder pitch in theirs! After a complete implosion by the OKC pitching staff, left fielder J.B. Shuck came in with one on and no outs, induced a double play and a ground out and got out of the inning unscathed. Which is more than can be said for OKC's other pitchers for the night. Brian Bass was charged with the loss after allowing six runs (one earned) over 4.2 innings. Brandon Barnes, Mike Hessman and J.B. Shuck were all two-for-five, with Barnes and Hessman hitting home runs.

Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 13-7
The Hooks were gifted with lots of hits and lots of walks allowed by the opposing pitchers. As a matter of fact, four of the Hooks runs scored via the bases loaded walk. Really, that happened. Bobby Doran got his second win in as many starts for the Hooks as he put up a quality start. There were too many terrific hitting performances to list them all, but Austin Wates' three hits, and Jose Martinez' five RBIs and home run stood out.

Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 8-7
Lancaster struck early and hung on late. It looked as though this might be another one of "those" nights for Lancaster as starter Zach Grimmett (W, 3-5) gave up two in the top of the first, but he settled down nicely and allowed only two more runs over his next five. In the meantime the JetHawks bats went to work and chased out Rancho Cucamonga starter Angel Sanchez after only 2.2 innings as Lancaster scored all eight of their runs in the first three innings. Kirk Clark made it a bit more interesting than I would have liked by allowing three runs in relief to make it a one-run game, but Andrew Robinson nailed it down with his fifth save. Offensively, it was the Grant Hogue show as he went four-for-four with a triple, RBI, walk and scored three runs. Hogue is now hitting .611 for the JetHawks in 13 games. Kike Hernandez (two-for-three with a triple) and Domingo Santana (two-for-four with an RBI) also had good nights.

Game of the Day
Greeneville over Danville 13-4
This was a nice comeback for Greeneville after the 17-inning loss in their previous outing. The Astros led from the second inning on as the bats broke out in a big way. Richard Rodriguez earned his second win of the season. Jose Monzon provided some excitement with a three-run inside the park home run.

What went right: Hitting and lots of it.

What went wrong: 0-fer from Brian Blasik, lowering his batting average all the way down to .372.

Richard Rodriguez (W, 2-0) - 6IP 6H 2R 2BB 9SO
Scott Zuloaga - 2IP 4H 2R 0BB 2SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO

Ernesto Genoves - 3x5 2-2B RBI 2R
Mike Martinez - 2x3 HR 2RBI 2R
Ariel Ovando - 3x5 RBI SO 2R
Angel Ibanez - 2x4 RBI SO 2R
Jose Monzon - 3x4 HR 4RBI R
Jean Batista - 1x5 HR 2RBI R

Players of the Day: There were too many terrific performances to chose from. Let's let Dan Gulbransen's five RBIs, Jose Martinez' five RBIs, Jose Monzon's inside the park home run; Jobduan Morales' grand slam; and Grant Hogue's four-for-four night all share in the glory.

Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez edges out Richard Rodriguez, but J.B. Shuck and Luis Alvarez should also get honorable mention.

Minor League Schedule and Recaps

THURSDAY'S GAMES

DSL Astros at DSL Cardinals at 9:30 CST

GCL Astros at GCL Marlins at 11:00 CST

Vermont at Tri-City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD

Greeneville at Johnson City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Francis Ramirez (0-0, -.--) and RHP Bryan Martinez (0-0, -.--)

Lexington at West Virgina at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Luis Cruz (5-3, 3.49) and LHP Zach Dodson (1-5, 6.12)

Corpus Christi at San Antonio at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jose Cisnero (4-6, 3.68) and RHP Josh Geer (2-2, 5.77)
Available on MiLB.tv

Oklahoma City at Nashville at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Armando Galarraga (1-0, 1.86) and RHP Marco Estrada (0-0, 0.00)
Available on MiLB.tv

Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and RHP Matthew Andriese (4-3, 3.39)

WEDNESDAY'S RECAPS

DSL Mariners over DSL Astros 10-9
Seriously? The Mariners made seven errors and we still couldn't win? Despite getting an early lead with six runs in the first, the Astros ended up losing this one in 12 innings after allowing a big inning of their own later in the game. The Mariners played ugly in that first inning, too, as by my count the Astros scored their six runs on only two hits with help from five errors (three runners reached base on errors), two walks and a hit by pitch. Edwin Villarroel allowed four runs and Javier Saucedo allowed five (including a grand slam), and Yonquelys Martinez allowed only one run but got pegged with the loss, helping to prove that life is, indeed, not fair. Mesac Laguna (3x5, 3R), Frederick Serrano (2x5, 2B, RBI), Yoel Silfa (2x5, 2RBI), Marlon Avea (2x3, 2B, RBI), and Arturo Michelina (2x6, 2RBI) all had productive outings.

GCL Astros over GCL Marlins 4-0
Five pitchers combined on the shutout with Chia-Jen Lo getting the first inning. I was frankly very surprised to see Lo in a game since Fred Nelson was quoted as saying that the end of the season looked optimistic for his return in this article from Zachary Levine. But pitch he did! After one perfect inning from Lo, Edison Frias (W, 1-0) took over for 4.1 innings and allowed six hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Ricardo Batista, Erick Gonzalez and Ambiorix de Leon not only allowed no runs in relief, they also allowed no hits. The Astros struck early, scoring two in the first. Carlos Correa singled and was driven in by a Teoscar Hernandez double, scoring what turned out to be the winning run. Hernandez and Juan Santana were both two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored. Brett Phillips stole two bags.

Vermont over Tri-City 7-4
Juri Perez got the start, giving up two runs (none earned) over his four innings before giving way to Travis Ballew for his two innings of scoreless relief. Jeremiah Meiners (L, 0-1) ran into trouble in the seventh, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks without recording an out in the then tied game, before being replaced by an effective Jamaine Cotton for two innings. Brad Propst allowed another two runs during the ninth. Jobduan Morales was three-for-four with a double and a home run; Andrew Aplin was two-for-four with two RBIs; and Austin Elkins was two-for-four with one RBI and a stolen base. Errors really hurt Tri-City as Juri Perez, Emilio King (2 errors), and Jesse Wierzbicki all recorded fielding errors. Morales was charged with two passed balls as well.

Corpus Christi over San Antonio 2-1 in 12 innings
Yet another extra inning affair for Corpus Christi as they win game one of the second half. Ross Seaton pitched eight strong innings (four hits, including one solo home run) but was denied the win as the Hooks weren't able to scratch across much offense in part due to three GIDPs. Kevin Chapman, Erick Abreu (W, 8-2) and Jason Stoffel (S, 10) combined for scoreless relief. Seaton's RBI double in the fifth accounted for one of the Hooks runs and Adam Bailey's RBI single in the 12th accounted for the other.

Nashville over Oklahoma City 3-2
The Redhawks could only muster four hits on a pitching dominant night in Nashville. Brian Bass gave up two runs on three hits over five innings before being ejected, along with skipper Tony DeFranscesco, in the bottom of the fifth as he came to the plate. There was no indication in the game story as to what happened. The newest Astro, Hector Ambriz, was then pressed into service. Ambriz and Juan Abreu pitched scoreless relief, but Adalberto Flores wasn't as lucky as he gave up a walk-off home run in the ninth to get the loss. The Redhawks only scoring came as the result of an Angel Sanchez hit by pitch (he was hit in the helmet) and a Landon Powell walk followed by a J.B. Shuck triple.

GAME OF THE DAY

Greeneville over Johnson City 9-4
Richard Rodriguez had a terrific start, allowing only one earned run over five innings while striking out eight. But it took three pitchers to get through the sixth inning, with Jordan Jankowski getting Greeneville out of a jam and getting rewarded with his first win, as Greeneville posted five runs in the eighth to put them out of reach. Mitch Lambson also pitched beautifully, getting five strikeouts in the final two innings. The game was tied going into the eighth, but Greeneville played a little small ball; took advantage of a passed ball, a wild pitch and a fielding error; and added a couple more for good measure on a Jean Batista home run.

What went right: Greeneville took advantage of Johnson City's mistakes while minimizing the damage from their own mistakes.

What went wrong: Toney with one error and Ibanez with two errors.

Richard Rodriguez - 5IP 4H 2R/1ER 0BB 8SO
Zach Dando - 0.2IP 1H 2R/0ER 1BB 1SO
Scott Zuloaga (BS, 1) - 0IP 0H 0R 1BB 0SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 2SO
Mitch Lambson - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 5SO

Jean Batista - 2x5 HR 2RBI R
Marc Wik - 2x4 RBI BB 2SO 2R
Ariel Ovando - 2x5 2B 2RBI 2SO R
Jimmy Howick - 2x4 2B RBI R

Pitcher of the Day: Richard Rodriguez gets this as much for the ZERO walks as he does for his eight strikeouts.

Player of the Day:  Ross Seaton may be a pitcher but he was responsible for the only Hooks run in the first nine innings in what could easily have been a 1-0 shutout.

Roster Moves - 6/2

Oklahoma City
OF Fernando Martinez optioned to Houston to replace OF Travis Buck who went to the DL.
RHP Jordan Lyles recalled to Houston.
UT Matt Downs optioned to Oklahoma City.

Lexington
RHP Richard Rodriguez assigned from the GCL Astros to Lexington.
1B Jesse Wierzbicki assigned from Lexington to Tri-City.

There are additional moves forthcoming late today. I will post those as soon as I am at liberty to do so.

Happy Birthday - 3/4

RHP Richard Rodriguez (22)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez pitched effectively in 5 starts in 2010 with the DSL, going 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a 1.056 WHIP.  However, he sat out most of 2011 and only pitched 3.2 inning in 4 appearances in August with the GCL Astros with poor results.  I'm assuming that he was rehabbing from an injury and hope to see him back to his 2010 form.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

2B Andy Mota (46)
Drafted by Houston in the 12th round in 1987, Andy didn't have quite the success that his father Manny had in the major leagues.  Andy appeared in 27 games for Houston in 1991.