RADIO
Bryan Abreu's Mechanics the Cause of Velocity Dip
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada thinks right-handed reliever Bryan Abreu's dip in velocity in Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Angels was due to issues with his mechanics and not any physical injury, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Abreu's fastball averaged 93.2 mph in his outing on Sunday after averaging 97.3 mph a season ago. With his velocity being down early on, Abreu has struggled as the team's de facto closer with Josh Hader (biceps) on the injured list. He's allowed four earned runs on a home run while walking four and striking out three in 1 1/3 innings. Espada said on Monday that Abreu is "doing well." On Saturday, Abreu averaged 95.9 mph on his 12 fastballs but walked two batters and gave up a three-run homer to Nolan Schanuel. Abreu, who had a 2.28 ERA and led all relievers with 105 strikeouts in 70 outings, is capable of turning things around and needs to be rostered for saves as Houston's primary closer while Hader is sidelined.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
