It may sound like a broken record, but we have seen the Astros continue to develop major league caliber pitchers at a high clip. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Single-A affiliate of the Astros, are continuing that right now.
The Woodpeckers are the first stop in full season baseball in the Astros system. Last year, the pitching staff put together some really good numbers. So far in 2024, the team is off to their best start in franchise history at 13-8 through 21 games. The pitching staff has racked up 233 strikeouts in 186 innings, allowing only 151 hits.
This pitching staff is led by some recent draft picks who have had great starts to their professional careers. Below are a few that have dominated so far this year:
James Hicks – Hicks was a 13th round pick in last year’s draft. So far this season he has allowed just 1 run over 18 innings (0.50 ERA) with 25 strikeouts. He has allowed just 9 hits and has held opposing hitters to just a .435 OPS.
Derek True – True was an 18th round pick in last year’s draft. He was strictly a reliever in college but the Astros have transitioned him to starter. In 16.2 innings, he has racked up 23 strikeouts, walking just 5 and has a 2.70 ERA.
Colby Langford – Langford was another draft selection from last year that has gotten off to a good start. He has pitched in 6 games, 1 start, and has a 1.69 ERA to go with 15 strikeouts in 10 innings.
Kelly Austin – Austin was an undrafted free agent following the draft last year but has been dominant allowing 4 hits and 1 run over 7.0 innings while pitching up 12 strikeouts.
But the staff isn’t only carried by recent draft picks, they also have a lot of young international arms who are off to great starts:
Yeriel Santos – Santos has been in the system for a few years but made his full-season debut in 2024. So far this season in 16 innings, he has allowed just 5 hits for a ridiculous .104 BAA while striking out 18 in 16 innings.
Alain Pena – Pena has followed the same timeline as Santos and now making his full-season debut. He has a 1.20 ERA this season racking up 23 strikeouts in 15 innings, allowing just 9 hits.
Raimy Rodriguez – Rodriguez is the youngest of them all at just 18 years old. He has pitched in four games posting a 3.70 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 14.1 innings this season.
Some credit also had to go to the catchers Will Bush, Fernando Caldera, and Juan Santander. Bush leads the staff catching 122.1 innings so far. He has also caught 9 base stealers this season, which easily leads the Astros system. Caldera has caught 2 in 44 innings. They have been putting in work with this staff this season.
All in all, it has been a fun season so far for Fayetteville. With the promotion of Hicks to High-A, hopefully another pitcher will fill his spot and the team will continue their winning ways.
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