Mostly Minor League Astros lose to the Nationals 6-3, and to the Mets, 6-2
Today we got the first glimpse of the new-look, 2025 Astros. We didn’t see many starting players, and we didn’t get to see Jose Altuve in left field, nor Astros newbies Isaac Paredes or Chris Walker. And frankly, who cares about the score?
But there were some interesting clues to where the 2025 Astros are heading.
First, pitcher Ryan Gusto. Part of the starting rotation in last year’s AAA Sugarland team with a 3.70 ERA, Gusto pitched two innings, allowing no runs, only one walk with three strikeouts. His first inning was particularly impressive, although he struggled a bit more in the second. Following the example of Hunter Brown, Gusto is sporting a new sinker, and with question marks in both the bullpen and the back end of the starting rotation, we may well see Gusto during the regular season. Could he be the next Ronel Blanco?
Here is his third strikeout against Josh Bell, a legit opening-day starting player. Take a look at the last pitch, pitch #8.
Another wrinkle: With all the talk of Altuve in left field, we saw infielder Zach DeZenzo field some flies as a starter roaming in Altuve’s new territory.
The Astros’ first RBI in 2025 was notched by Luis Guillorme, a recently acquired journeyman who played utility for three different teams last year. He may not make the team, but if he does, he will have the best beard on the Astros.
The Astros’ #1 prospect, newly acquired Cam Smith, got his first Astros PAs, walking twice and scoring in the eighth, part of a hitless, two-run inning that tied the score. But a three-run double by the Nats’ Robert Hassell off Joey Mancini sealed the Astros’ fate.
The Astros lost this uneventful game played mostly by minor leaguers 6-3, getting only two hits.
Meanwhile, against the Mets, the Astros lost 6-2. Juan Soto homered for the Mets in his first AB. However, one of the Astros’ top prospects, Brice Mathews, homered for the Stros, as well.