Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show from spring training to discuss pitcher Jose Urquidy's injury status after Urquidy suffered a right forearm strain during Friday's spring training game. An MRI revealed that there was no structural damage to Urquidy's UCL and that he should resume throwing in 10-15 days. "[Urquidy] was in really good spirits," McTaggart said. It was "best case scenario for him" and the Astros "really have to hope they can get him back" in April.
With Urquidy joining Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia on the injured list to start the season, the Astros attempted to sign free agent Blake Snell; however, the San Francisco Giants reached a deal with the two-time Cy Young winner for two-years, $62 million. "I don think it was ever close" and "the Astros were wise not to give him that money."
The Astros have not signed any free agent pitchers to fill in the bullpen gaps, but McTaggart "wouldn't be surprised" if the Astros add another arm to the club. "They're walking kind of a tight rope with their starting rotation."
One of the top free agents remaining is Jordan Montgomery, but McTaggart isn't sure if he will land in Houston. "I wouldn't completely rule him out," but "I just don't see it at this point."
Starting center fielder Jake Meyers has been having a successful spring training, holding an OPS of 1.222. Meyers "looks like he's playing really relaxed" and "has the ability to be an above average hitter" in addition to his defensive skills.
Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images