Astros' Star Prospect Could Be Playing His Way Onto Roster This Spring
Many of the players who will be on the Opening Day roster for the Houston Astros are already known because they are established stars.
There are still spots up for grabs, especially on the pitching staff, that can be earned with good performances throughout the spring.
One who has gotten a ton of buzz entering this period is their star pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti.
Manager Joe Espada has already talked about how impressed he's been with the youngster, but to make the roster, he'll have to perform on the field.
It's been so far so good for the Astros' No. 3 overall prospect.
He pitched two innings in his only appearance, allowing only one hit and zero earned runs while striking out three batters.
That's a major positive for Houston and Arrighetti as he's struggled with his command throughout his tenure in the minors, with a BB/9 rate of 4.3 during three seasons.
His career ERA of 4.44 is in large part due to that.
Showcasing he can hit the strike zone consistently and limit damage will be an important aspect for him making the team on Opening Day.
Throughout the offseason, general manager Dana Brown has hinted there will be internal candidates who fill the void left from three of their departed relievers following 2023.
Arrighetti could be one of those players.
He's appeared in 61 games and has started 40, showing that he has versatility to start games on the mound or come out of the bullpen.
With the Astros' rotation already fairly established as other starters are scheduled to return from injury eventually, it's likely they would use the 24-year-old in a relief role if he shows he can pitch at the Major League level.
He'll have all spring to convince the coaching staff and front office he should have a spot when they welcome the New York Yankees to town on March 28.
It will ultimately come down to how he performs while on the mound.
