WEST PALM BEACH, FL (SportsRadio 610)- Hunter Brown is one of the few pitchers expected to make the Astros opening day roster to have experienced the pitch clock before the start of spring training, but after a shaky Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday, Brown admitted he needed to get re-acclimated to it.
"I Went up to the big leagues, we didn't have it, so it was the first time in a little bit," Brown said. "On the back fields, obviously, we have it, but it's not really enforced, you're not gonna lose a ball to (violations), so just first game of spring, so I guess I just sped up a little bit."
The Astros top prospect, who has a clear lane to be part of the team's rotation to start the season, allowed two runs, one earned, on one hit in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox. He walked two, hit a batter, and had a man reach on catcher's interference. Only 17 of his 33 pitches were thrown for a strike, and he fell behind against 5-of-8 batters he faced.
"I was riding the heater up, and then kind of yanking the slider a little bit more," Brown said. "Thought my curveball felt good, I threw a good changeup in there. I threw a couple good sliders, just didn't get swings, so just have to clean that up and get that going."
Brown started the game by inducing a weak ground out from Raimel Tapia, but the problems started when Triston Casas reached on a squibber down the third baseline, then Bobby Dalbec. After Christian Arroyo flied out softly to center Reese McGuire reached on catcher's interference to load the bases.
Niko Goodrum worked a walk to force in a run, and then Brown hit Greg Allen with a wayward slider to bring home the second. He strikeout Wilyer to work out of the jam. Wednesday was the first time he pitched in a game environment since game three of the ALCS on October 22.
"I think (the issues) had to do with just getting in game speed again. I faced live hitters once this camp and then today, so I think just the more acclimated with that speed again, picking up a little faster than bullpens I think I'll be able to figure it out."
