The Astros introduced this morning that they’ve chosen the contract of right-hander Ryan Gusto. Gusto will make his massive league debut in as we speak’s common season finale, beginning this afternoon’s sport towards the Guardians. To make room for Gusto on the 40-man and energetic rosters, outfielder Ben Gamel was transferred to the 60-day IL whereas right-hander Shawn Dubin was optioned to the minor leagues.
Gusto, 25, was Houston’s Eleventh-round decide within the 2019 draft. He’s loved one thing of a breakout over the previous two seasons, as he impressed in 61 1/3 innings of labor on the Double-A stage final yr with a 2.93 ERA and a 24.9% strikeout fee in his first style of motion on the stage. That earned him a promotion to the Triple-A stage to start out the 2024 season, and whereas he struggled badly in his first style of Pacific Coast League motion this yr (8.03 ERA in his first two months) he’s turned issues round a giant method since then. In 108 innings of labor for the reason that begin of June, Gusto has dominated opponents with a 2.08 ERA and 23.2% strikeout fee whereas strolling simply 6.4% of opponents.
Now, Gusto will get the chance to point out off what he can do towards massive league hitters. With each Justin Verlander and Yusei Kikuchi ticketed without cost company this winter, it’s straightforward to think about Gusto working his method into consideration for the membership’s rotation combine subsequent yr as one of many membership’s few upper-level arms who haven’t but been built-in into the massive league rotation. The membership figures to have Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Spencer Arrighetti as rotation choices headed into subsequent yr with loads of different gamers due again from the IL someday subsequent season however Gusto might be an vital depth piece for the membership come Spring Coaching, notably if the membership doesn’t make additions to the rotation over the winter.
As for Gamel, the transfer to position the 32-year-old on the 60-day IL is essentially procedural. The outfielder was already on the shelf resulting from a fractured fibula and thought of doubtless to overlook your entire postseason, although as we speak’s roster transfer confirms that he gained’t play once more this yr. Gamel hit a good .247/.384/.333 with the Mets and Astros this yr and figures to enter free company this winter as an fascinating bench choice for golf equipment in want of outfield depth.
