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MLB playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Astros make it

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with his team after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Houston Astros won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with his team after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Houston Astros won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles (53) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Astros won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles (53) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Astros won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The bullpen is figured out

Last September, as the Astros appeared to be on the verge of self-combusting and losing their playoff spot, the bullpen seemed to be blowing a lead on a nightly basis. This September, the Astros bullpen has posted a 2.90 ERA so far and has only taken two losses. Compare that to last year, when the ‘pen had a 5.63 ERA and ten losses, and it’s easy to see why the Astros are not dealing with another late-season fade.

Ken Giles, who was acquired for a king’s ransom, has really figured things out since taking over as closer from Luke Gregerson. Giles struggled at the start of the year, but is coming on extremely strong down the stretch. Behind Giles, Gregerson has continued to pitch well ever after losing the closer’s role.

Behind those two late-inning options, the middle relief group made up of Will Harris, Chris Devenski, and Pat Neshek have been very effective all year. Devenski, in particular, stands out because he is a rookie who only had moderate success in the minor leagues, and failed to stick as a starter.

The bullpen will be a major key for the Astros as they look to finish the season strong. Their primary foe, the Angels, have a mediocre bullpen at best. If, by some twist of fate, the games against Los Angeles are actually close, the Astros will hold a substantial edge.

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