Astros prospect Javier to start spring opener

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Right-hander Cristian Javier, last year’s Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year, will start the team’s Grapefruit League opener on Saturday night against the Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, manager Dusty Baker said Thursday. The Nationals will start Max Scherzer in a rematch of last year’s World Series, won by Washington in seven games.

Javier, the Astros' No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, began last season at Class A Advanced Fayetteville and spent most of the year at Double-A Corpus Christi before ending the season with a pair of outings at Triple-A Round Rock. In all, he posted a 1.74 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP and 170 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings and led all Minor League pitchers (minimum 100 innings) in opponents’ batting average (.130).

“He has good stuff,” Baker said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s
probably in the mix for some things. I haven’t seen him live against a
hitter on an opposing team. He has outstanding stuff you see down here
in the spring. I’ve been watching his ‘pens and I talked to a couple of
catchers and they tell me he has excellent stuff. That’s where it
starts.”

Scherzer went 36-13 with a 2.75 ERA in 65
starts while Baker was managing Washington from 2016-17, including a
20-win season in '16 and back-to-back National League Cy Young Awards.
Scherzer faced the Astros twice in the World Series, allowing two earned
runs in five innings in both Game 1 and Game 7.

“I like some Scherzer. Scherzer’s cool.” Baker said. “He’ll be the same old Scherzer whatever side I’m on.”

Others scheduled to pitch for Houston are Nivaldo Rodriguez, Enoli Paredes, Andre Scrubb, Kent Emanuel and Riley Ferrell.

Baker set to manage against Nats
Saturday’s
game against the Nationals -- the Astros are the home team -- will be
the first game in uniform for Baker since he managed the Nats. Baker
keeps in touch with several players and some of the coaches on the
Nationals.

“I’ve talked to a couple of the guys
already,” Baker said. “I left my heart over there when I left. I’m
looking forward to seeing some of them, from seeing the trainers to now
the first-base coach, Bobby [Henley]. I talked to them almost regularly.
Different guys over there will call and ask how you’re doing. I have
pleasant memories with those guys.”

Baker watched the Nationals closely the last
two years and never thought he would manage again before the Astros
opportunity came up. When he was hired by Houston, he said he was
rooting for the Astros in the 2019 World Series.

“What am I supposed to say?” he joked.

Astros pitcher Martes suspended for more than 150 games after positive drug test

A Houston Astros pitcher has been suspended for more than 150 games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, according to a press released by the team Monday.

Right-handed pitcher Francis Martes was suspended for a total of 162 games after he tested positive for Boldenone. The suspension will begin at the start of the 2020 regular season.

The Astros released the following written statement:

“Throughout our system, players are educated through MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs. It is disappointing when any player is in violation of the policies that are in place. We hope that Francis will learn from this experience moving forward. The Astros continue to fully support Major League Baseball’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs.”

Astros hire Dusty Baker to short-term deal as new manager

Dusty Baker will be hired as Houston’s 24th manager, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday, bringing to an end the two-week search set in motion by an electronic sign-stealing scandal that’s shaken the sport.

Houston owner Jim Crane dismissed revered skipper A.J Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow after Major League Baseball released its investigative findings on Jan. 13. The league determined that, under Hinch and Luhnow, the Astros stole signs electronically during their run to the 2017 World Series and parts of the 2018 season.

Baker, 70, becomes the oldest manager in the major leagues. Having last managed the Washington Nationals in 2017, he ranks 15th in career wins with a 1,863-1,636 record over 22 seasons. He guided the San Francisco Giants to the National League pennant in 2002.

Since 2018, Baker, a three-time NL Manager of the Year, has served as a special advisor to Giants CEO Larry Baer, working in both the baseball and business operations of the club.

The deal is for one year and includes a team option for the 2021 season.

Mayor Turner's statement on the Houston Astros

"Being loyal fans of Houston sports teams means that we stand with them in good times and during times of challenge. Today is a difficult day. As a city, we extend our hearts to an Astros' organization that is hurting.

"The Houston Astros carried us on their shoulders during the 2017 World Series championship season. We will never forget how they played with passion and made us proud.

"Now, it is our turn to carry the Astros on our shoulders and lift the owner, coaches, and players as they focus on moving the organization beyond this challenge.  

"I commend Houston Astros' owner Jim Crane for going over and above what was required by Major League Baseball.

"As a city, we look forward to the start of spring training and the next season.
The Astros are world-class champions on and off the field at all times."