The Houston Astros are rolling into Game 2 of the wild-card series with Hunter Brown on full rest, betting big on their undeniable ace, even though he’s made just one playoff start in his entire career. After a Game 162 scramble secured their American League West title and a postseason berth, the Astros used a bullpen game for Tuesday’s wild-card opener against the Chicago White Sox. But with Brown taking the mound Wednesday and Hayden Wesneski ready for a potential Game 3, manager Joe Espada is feeling good about his pitching options.
Brown’s September Surge and the Playoff Mound
Espada didn’t mince words before Game 1, calling Brown and Wesneski healthy and rested “super valuable for us.” This is huge, especially since Peter Lambert, their most reliable starter, pitched the finale and “faded a bit down the stretch.” Brown’s 8-10 record and 3.82 ERA aren’t mind-blowing, but his 2-1 run with a 2.73 ERA across five September starts? That’s the late-season heat you need for October. At just 28, Brown’s the only available starter with playoff experience, playing “savvy vet” and talking to younger guys about Daikin Park’s playoff roar. Brown gets it: “Everybody’s excited about this game today and tomorrow, being here in Houston. That’s kind of what’s going around (the clubhouse) is how loud the crowd gets and things like that. Just kind of trying to manage that and be prepared for that.” He’s set to face Chicago’s Sean Burke (11-7, 3.34 ERA).
The “Savvy Vet” and His Postseason Journey
So, about that “savvy vet” status: Brown’s playoff journey runs deeper than one start. He debuted in September 2022, snagging a playoff roster spot and tossing three scoreless relief appearances during their World Series title run. In the 2023 playoffs, he gave up two runs in seven innings over four relief appearances, with the Astros pushing the eventual champion Texas Rangers to seven games in the ALCS. His only actual *start* was two years ago, Game 2 of a wild-card series loss to the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed just one run over 5 ⅔ innings. Since then, he’s totally established himself, even making the All-Star team last season with a career-best 2.43 ERA. Plus, he bounced back strong this year after a two-plus month shoulder injury in the first half. Brown knows he’s different now: “I feel like in ’24, I was still kind of trying to figure out my arsenal and things like that. Now, I kind of know what I do and what I like to do, what I’m good at executing and what I’m not as good at. I think I’m just a little bit more confident and know myself a little bit more as a pitcher.”
This confidence and refined arsenal? That’s exactly what Houston needs right now. Game 2 against the White Sox is absolutely massive. Brown’s matured game will be put to the ultimate test under Daikin Park’s bright lights. Every single pitch is on the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply