The Houston Astros are engaged in a tight race for the American League West title as they strive to secure a playoff spot for the eighth consecutive season. Much of the focus is on the uncertain return of star outfielder Kyle Tucker from injury.
Meanwhile, Astros’ relief pitcher Kendall Graveman, who underwent offseason surgery, has flown under the radar. However, Graveman made a significant stride in his recovery by throwing from a mound for the first time since his January surgery, according to Chronicle Astros on X.
Graveman’s surgery was aimed at repairing a tear in his right shoulder labrum, with expectations that it might sideline him for the entire 2024 season, as reported by Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Although he hasn’t completely ruled out a return this year, Graveman himself acknowledges that it’s unlikely. He would need at least a month of bullpen sessions and live batting practice before being cleared for a rehab assignment, making a return this season improbable given the time constraints.
The loss of Graveman raised concerns about the Astros’ bullpen for 2024. Nevertheless, the team’s relief corps has performed admirably. The Astros signed Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract shortly after Graveman’s surgery. The five-time All-Star has excelled as the team’s closer, posting a 3.75 ERA, a 0.993 WHIP, 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings, and 24 saves.
Bryan Abreu and Tayler Scott have also been solid contributors, helping the bullpen rank among the top 10 in ERA, holds, strikeout percentage, and WPA. The Astros focused on acquiring starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline rather than enhancing their bullpen.
Graveman, in the final year of his three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Astros, has made 23 appearances for Houston in 2023, recording a 2.42 ERA, a 1.522 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 22.1 innings. Earning $8 million this season, he will become a free agent at season’s end, and it’s possible he may have already pitched his last game for the Astros. However, the team could choose to re-sign the 33-year-old veteran.
As of Saturday, the Astros are tied for first place in the AL West with the Seattle Mariners. Since returning from the All-Star break, Houston has a 10-9 record and, despite a series win over the Mariners in July, has struggled to maintain a lead in the division.