Houston Astros player development director Sara Goodrum expects 2022 first-round pick Drew Gilbert to be full go for the start of the minor-league season, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Gilbert dislocated his right elbow Aug. 13 in Single-A Fayetteville, following a collision with the center-field wall and abruptly ending his first professional season early. The organization predicted a full recovery by spring training late last season.
Gilbert slashed 5-for-21 in his first six affiliated contests, clubbing one home run and stealing three bases. The lefty outfielder didn’t strike out once in his 22 plate appearances. The Astros invited Gilbert early to minor-league spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, following 10 games last season.
Goodrum also provided an update on Double-A right-handed pitcher Jonathan Sprinkle, who battled stomach discomfort last season. Sprinkle, who never hit the injured list in 2022, underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome this winter, per Rome. Sprinkle told Astros Future the surgery was separate from his in-season ailment.
“Just bad timing I guess,” said Sprinkle, who is at the Astros spring training complex. “So far so good. I’m building up right now and will be throwing in spring training late in March.”
Sprinkle pitched in the Arizona Fall League in 2022, following 39 appearances for the Hooks. Developing two new pitches to his arsenal, the righty was roughed up in 5.2 innings of work. Sprinkle holds a career 14.4 strikeouts-per-nine innings over two professional seasons.
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