Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Lefty Mushinski Continues Rehab Struggles in Sugar Land
Parker Mushinski made his second appearance Saturday for Triple-A Sugar Land as part of his major league rehab assignment. The lefty relieved Brandon Bielak for the fifth inning but was given the hook after 19 pitches, eight of them for strikes.
Mushinski beamed El Paso Chihuahuas' Matt Beaty on a 1-0 count, receiving a mound visit from pitching coach Erick Abreu. On a 1-2 count, the lefty issued his second hit batter, granting a free base to Esteury Ruiz.
With two runners on, Taylor Kohlwey grounded a 106.5-mph single up the middle, loading the bases with no outs. On a four-pitch walk to Luis Campusano, Mushinski surrendered his first run through four batters Saturday, similar to his previous outing three days ago.
Mushinski then induced a pop out from Brett Sullivan, before he was given the hook. Righty John Olczak relieved the lefty for a second-straight outing, allowing three of his inherited base runners to cross home.
On a combined 39 pitches, Mushinski has allowed six runs while retiring one batter in two rehab appearances. The 26-year-old neighbored his average pitch velocity on all four of his arsenal Saturday.
Throwing his four-seam fastball 58 percent of his outing, Mushinski generated one whiff on the four total swings he saw. His curveball also caught two swings — both resulting in foul balls.
Mushinski started his 30-day rehab window Wednesday as he returns from left-elbow discomfort which shelved him June 7. The Astros don't have another healthy left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster with Blake Taylor on the 60-day injured list (left-elbow discomfort).
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