11 articles
HOU • Pitcher • #52
2 months ago
Abreu was summoned in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead with a runner on and two outs. He issued a walk and gave up a base hit to bring a run in for the Rangers before getting out of the jam. Abreu then worked around two base hits in the ninth, striking out two batters to close out the game with his seventh save of the season to go with a 2.37 ERA and 103 strikeouts over 68 1/3 innings.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
2 months ago
A leadoff single was erased on a double-play ball, but another rally started with a walk and a single before Cody Freeman grounded out to end the game. In spite of all of the action, Abreu threw just 12 pitches, so he should be ready to work again Tuesday.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
2 months ago
Abreu avenged his blown save from Tuesday night to close out the Blue Jays here. He’s had a rocky two weeks allowing eight earned runs over his last four outings, but it’s clear the Astros are still relying on him to be their unquestioned closer.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
2 months ago
Abreu struck out two batters in the ballgame. He came on with a 3-1 lead to protect but got himself into trouble early by issuing a leadoff walk to Alejandro Kirk. After striking out Addison Barger, he allowed a single to Ernie Clement and then walked Davis Schneider to load the bases. Isiah Kiner-Falefa followed with a game-tying, two-run single. Abreu retired the next two hitters to escape further trouble, but the damage had already been done. Even with this rough outing though, the 28-year-old hurler still sports a strong 2.49 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 100/29 K/BB ratio over 65 innings. He remains the best bet for save chances in the Astros’ bullpen.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
3 months ago
It’s the second time this season Abreu has allowed three runs. Typically one of baseball’s best relievers, he gave up four hits for the first time and two walks for the third time. The hits were all singles that came consecutively with one out. The last of them, scoring the first and second runs, was a 330-foot fly to right that Cam Smith should have caught but struggled to get to while dealing with the wall. The walks came afterwards, with the second forcing in a run. That Abreu has worked three times in four days and threw 28 pitches tonight will probably make him unavailable on Sunday. A Craig Kimbrel seems unlikely but not impossible.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
3 months ago
Abreu got the call to close out the game for the second day in a row despite Houston’s addition of Craig Kimbrel. He took the mound with a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and tossed a clean frame, striking out one batter for his third save of the season to go with a 1.52 ERA across 59 1/3 innings.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
3 months ago
When Abreu is on like this, it’s scary for opposing hitters. He entered this game with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning and struck out Colton Cowser with four straight sliders to end the threat. Then, he hit Coby Mayo to start the ninth and struck out the next three batters he faced. He forced eight swings-and-misses on 10 total swings and is asserting himself as one of the best closers in the league now that he has taken that role in Houston.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
3 months ago
The 28-year-old right-hander once again functioned in a traditional closer’s capacity, pitching in the bottom of the ninth inning in a tied game on the road. While he kept the Tigers at bay and got the game to the 10th, the Astros were unable to score a run to put him in line for a victory. Abreu has been terrific this season, registering a 1.58 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and an 84/25 K/BB ratio over 57 innings while securing one save and three victories.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
3 months ago
It’s Abreu’s 10th career save. He had five in 2023, but only one in the season and two-thirds since Hader was signed. He figures to be used primarily as a closer until Hader returns, and he’s worth rostering in all formats.
HOU • Pitcher • #52
5 months ago
The Astros wanted to stay away from Josh Hader today, so Abreu was going to close. However, he was needed with two outs in a tie game in the eighth. After striking out Trea Turner to end the rally, he was handed a 2-1 lead in the ninth. He then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos in order, with all three going down swinging. One of the game’s best setup men, Abreu has 53 strikeouts and a 1.72 ERA in 36 2/3 innings this season.