The Houston Astros have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever John Rooney from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations. Rooney, who recently showcased his potential in the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate with a notable 2.45 ERA across 38 appearances this season, has yet to make his major-league debut.
Adding Rooney to their roster comes ahead of the series finale against the Boston Red Sox, as the Astros look to enhance their pitching depth. Manager Joe Espada expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition, highlighting Rooney’s unique pitching style and effectiveness this season: “There’s some deception in there. He has thrown the ball really well this year.”
Rooney, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, has spent six years developing in their minor-league system, compiling a 3.85 ERA over seven seasons. His performance this year has been particularly impressive, allowing hitters to only a .173 batting average and demonstrating a strong strikeout ability with a 32.4% rate, despite a higher walk rate of 16.5%.
With the addition of Rooney, the Astros now have five left-handed pitchers in their bullpen. As they navigate roster changes, it’s anticipated they will return to an eight-man bullpen in the upcoming series against the Marlins, especially with Spencer Arrighetti expected to come off the injured list.
This strategic move not only reflects the Astros’ proactive approach in enhancing their pitching lineup but also presents a hopeful outlook for Rooney’s potential contributions as he transitions into the major leagues. Houston’s commitment to bringing in emerging talent underscores their ongoing ambition to strengthen their team for the remainder of the season.