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Hooks Alums Scrap to Stay in Big League Camp

Cosart struggles in first spring start
March 8, 2013

The biggest story of Astros' camp this week featuring a former Hook centered on pitcher Jarred Cosart. The right-hander started Monday's game against the Tigers in what was billed as his opportunity to impress the big league coaching staff.

Cosart faltered though, allowing three earned runs on four hits and four walks in two-plus innings. After the game he told MLB.com once his adrenaline got going, he couldn't slow it down.

"The whole problem today is I couldn't slow down my delivery and that's a lot of how I pitch -- aggressive. When things get going I get going, and (manager Bo Porter) just said he thinks I have an opportunity to win a lot of games," Cosart said. "We'll work on it throughout Spring Training and my career. You've just got to harness that energy I pitch with."

Sunday against the Pirates, Mike Foltynewicz came up from minor league camp to throw a hitless inning. The Astros named Foltynewicz their 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season and he could see time in Corpus Christi this summer.

Chia-Jen Lo, who appeared in 30 games for the Hooks in 2009, has three strikeouts and just two hits allowed in three and two-thirds innings over four spring appearances. Southpaw Kevin Chapman tossed a scoreless inning and a third Monday against the Tigers.

Right-handed reliever Josh Zeid made three more appearances last week and is now 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five games out of the bullpen.

Offensively, outfielder Robbie Grossman continued his hot spring start with a hit Sunday against his former organization, the Pittsburgh Pirates. The switch-hitter is now 6-for-16 (.375) with four runs scored, four RBIs and has reached base in half of his plate appearances.

Former Texas League opponent and Rule 5 draft pick Nate Freiman has received ample playing time in an effort to give him every opportunity to make the big league club. He is 6-for-21 (.286) with three RBIs, but has yet to draw a walk, something he did with regularity for the San Antonio Missions in 2012.

Outfielder Brandon Barnes has slowed since his quick start, adding just one hit to his spring total since last Friday. The candidate for Houston's fourth outfield spot is 5-for-17 (.294), including a pair of solo home runs.

George Springer, he of the two home run game a week ago, has failed to drive in a run in the last seven games, while the long balls account for half of his spring hits. Outfielder Marc Krauss is 3-for-8 with two RBIs; Second baseman Delino DeShields is just 1-for-8, but has scored six runs and swiped two bases; and catcher Rene Garcia is 2-for-7 with one run batted in.