The Houston Astros had a lot of roster movement after a disappointing end to their 2021 season. Some of those that departed are having a miserable season in their new homes.
Many Houston Astros fans hoped for their 2021 team to return for 2022 in the hope they would bring home a World Series win. Those hopes quickly diminished with the departure of Carlos Correa and others.
While Correa has found success with the Minnesota Twins, others have not found much success in their new homes.
Zack Greinke returns to Kansas City Royals
In 2021, Greinke was 11-6 in 29 games started for the Astros. He threw 171 innings with a 4.16 ERA. He pitched one game in relief and earned a hold in the occasion. He struck out 120 batters. Greinke had a decent season for the AL champs.
Not ready to retire, Greinke was still looking to play the game. He returned to the Kansas City Royals, the team that drafted him in 2002 on a one-year contract worth $13 million.
Greinke seemed to want to rekindle his youth. At 38, he’s struggled this season and even had a stint on the injured list with a right flexor strain. With 12 games in the books, he is 2-4 with 63.2 innings thrown. He does have a 4.38 ERA and 32 strikeouts this season.
Since his 2004 debut, Greinke has long been a dependable arm to eat up innings. He hit 171 innings at 37 years old. That’s impressive. While his current numbers don’t look great, it will be interesting to see if Greinke’s flexor strain relaxes enough to get some significant innings taken care of for the Royals.
The Royals are currently in last place with a record of 28-48. The team could be looking to sell off some pieces in order to prepare for the future, as they have Nicky Lopez and Bobby Witt Jr., to build around. Despite his early struggle, Greinke could be used as a trade option for the Royals to deal with a team looking for some veteran pitching.