The Houston Astros are making a strategic move with their starting pitcher, Mike Burrows, as he transitions from the rotation to the bullpen for the upcoming series against the Cleveland Guardians. This decision comes as Burrows has been struggling this season, leading the team in innings pitched and games started but with a less-than-stellar performance. With a 5.86 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 14 starts, Burrows is facing challenges that the Astros are addressing to ensure his long-term success and the team's overall performance.
Burrows, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team trade in December, has been working on his mechanics and delivery. Astros pitching coach Josh Miller highlights a few key areas of improvement. Burrows has been pitching across his body too much, and his arm slot has gotten too low, which is a common issue for pitchers adding a two-seam fastball. The biggest challenge remains his four-seam fastball, which has more arm-side movement than desired. This pitch has been a problem, with opposing hitters batting .308 against it and a .744 slugging percentage, ranking fifth-highest in the Major Leagues.
The Astros are also focusing on Burrows' changeup, which is his best pitch. They want him to throw it for strikes more consistently. Interestingly, Burrows' sinker is also an area of concern, with opposing hitters batting .362 against it, the fifth-highest in the MLB. His slider is another pitch that needs improvement, with an opponents' average of .306, the fourth-highest among pitchers with at least 50 plate appearances.
Despite these challenges, Burrows has shown potential. Last year, he had a 3.94 ERA in 23 games with the Pirates, pitching better in the second half of the season. He had a 2.97 ERA in his final 33 1/3 innings, which included both starting and relieving roles. Burrows acknowledges that his first half of the season wasn't great and is committed to working towards being the best version of himself, focusing on the long-term goals rather than immediate results.
The Astros' decision to move Burrows to the bullpen provides him with a chance to rest, work on his mechanics, and potentially regain his form. This move also helps the team by giving Burrows a breather and allowing the Astros to manage their pitching staff effectively, especially with the return of ace Hunter Brown from the injured list. The team has an off-day on Thursday, providing an opportunity to skip a starter and give Burrows a chance to recover and refocus.
In my opinion, this move is a strategic one, addressing Burrows' struggles while also providing him with a fresh start. It's a testament to the Astros' commitment to player development and their willingness to make adjustments to ensure the team's success. As Burrows works on his mechanics and delivery, the Astros will be closely monitoring his progress, hoping to see a resurgence in his performance and a return to the rotation in the near future.
