Is Top Houston Astros Pitching Prospect Next Big Thing for Franchise?
Top-tier, dependable pitching is always at a premium in Major League Baseball.
Look no further than the Houston Astros as a prime example of incredible depth at the position regardless of the multiple setbacks to their starting pitching rotation this season.
Both rookie right-handers Hunter Brown (4-1, 3.20 ERA) and J.P. France (1-1, 3.43 ERA) have stepped up and delivered time and time again in the absence of veterans Luis Garcia and José Urquidy.
Don't forget that Lance McCullers Jr. has also be sidelined since the start of the year as well, and Houston has still managed to garner a 28-21 record while sitting just three games behind the first-place Texas Rangers (31-16) in the American League West.
I digress.
Top Astros pitcher prospect Spencer Arrighetti, who is currently playing for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks this season, is having a phenomenal May on the mound.
This month alone, the right-handed Arrighetti has amassed a sparkling 0.53 ERA, 19 strikeouts and six walks over three appearances (17 innings).
Overall this season with the Hooks, the 23-year-old Arrighetti -- currently ranked No. 9 in Houston's top-30 prospects -- has a 4-2 record with a 4.65 ERA, 38 strikeouts, 14 walks and a 1.25 WHIP.
Remember the name Arrighetti, Astros fans.
I know it's only Double-A, and I know it's only late May, but this guy could very well be another Brown or France, or at the very least a beast coming out of the bullpen.
And with young pitchers such as the aforementioned getting more and more playing time under their belt, it only bodes well for the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros.
Garcia will be missing the rest of 2023 and most of 2024, while Urquidy and McCullers aren't expected to rejoin the team until July, so having a healthy Brown and France the remainder of this year and at the start of next season will only help solidify a solid starting rotation.
Could Arrighetti get the call in 2024 to join the Astros as another potent arm to be reckoned with, or could that call come as early as 2023 -- maybe somewhere around the All-Star break?
Houston has proven to have depth in it's farm system regardless of not boasting the best Minor League teams at any level.
Outfielders: check, pitchers: check.
First baseman depth may seem like a question mark in the Majors, but the Astros also have plenty of infield prospects who may get a call to man first base sooner than later -- especially if José Abreu doesn't begin turning things around at the plate.
Regardless of how the season transpires for the Astros, one thing is certain: Arrighetti is making a name for himself in May, and he'll likely be taking home Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors.
Remember the name Arrighetti, Astros fans.
This guy very well could be the next big thing on the hill for Houston.
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