Houston Astros rookie pitcher Hunter Brown has been stellar so far this season. While he didn’t have the best start to the 2023 season, he has shown everyone there is still plenty to be excited about since then. Brown is currently 4–1 with a 3.20 ERA. In 44.2 innings, he has 56 strikeouts. He has settled in as a very good No.3 starter for the Astros, and has become a fan favorite. The right-hander made his major league debut last year, mostly pitching out of the bullpen. He did, however, have two starts and was 2–0 with an 0.89 ERA. In the 20 2/3 innings he pitched over seven games, he struck out 22 batters.
Fills a Need
Hunter Brown has been asked to fill a big need for the Astros. With the departure of Justin Verlander (free-agent to the New York Mets) and Lance McCullers Jr. on the IL to start the season, it has given Brown the opportunity to step into the starting role. Brown has shown that he has premium velocity with his fastball. It stays in the mid-90’s range, even hitting 99 mph on several occasions. His most overwhelming pitch is his curveball, which comes in the low-80’s range. That pitch stays in the lower part of the strike zone, and leads to many swings-and-misses, and many ground ball outs.
What’s Next
Brown will be counted on even more with McCullers, Jr. not expected back with the team until sometime in June. And now Luis Garcia, is the latest injury setback, will be out for the rest of the 2023 season following Tommy John surgery. Garcia’s injury comes on the heels of the loss of Jose Urquidy, who is on the Injured List with right shoulder discomfort. There is no timetable for Urquidy’s return, but the team is hopeful he can start throwing again in a few weeks.
Still a Rookie
Though he pitched last season, Brown still qualifies as a rookie because spent fewer than 45 days on the major league roster. If he continues to perform, he will likely be the leading candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award.
Looks Like the Real Deal
So far Hunter Brown looks like the real deal. It can be challenging for a rookie pitcher to step into a significant role in the starting rotation. So far, Brown has shown he can handle it and has gained the trust of manager Dusty Baker. With this team looking to repeat as World Series champions, having Hunter Brown gaining more confidence with each start is a good thing.
Framber Valdez is a very good number one starter. And with Cristian Javier anchoring the number two starter spot, this team will certainly have a chance to be in a playoff spot. If Brown continues to perform as he has been, he will certainly be a contributing factor to the team’s success and, as mentioned, could earn him Rookie of the Year honors. It is a very exciting time for the young rookie. It will be very interesting to see how he does from this point on.
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