Tyler

Ivey

The 28-year-old struck out two and walked one after coming in relief in the fourth inning. Ivey has only made one start in Triple-A so far, but last night’s outing shows that he’s already built up enough to throw 70 pitches in an outing. He has allowed just three runs (two earned) on seven hits in 13 1/3 innings this season with 11 strikeouts and six walks. Lance McCullers is returning to the Houston rotation soon, but should there be any roadblock in his recovery, Ivey could be an option if Ryan Gusto struggles as a spot starter for the Astros.

Ivey was designated for assignment earlier in the week to clear a spot on the Astros 40-man roster. He passed through waivers unclaimed though and will remain in the organization as pitching depth.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Ronel Blanco, who will open as part of the major league bullpen in Houston. Ivey has struggled with serious elbow issues over the last few years.

The move clears a spot for the newly-claimed Jacob Wilson on the 40-man roster. Ivey already wasn’t expected to pitch again this season after admitting last month that he’s been dealing with elbow pain for the past couple of years.

This was assumed as much after Ivey admitted earlier this month that he’s been pitching through pain in his elbow for the past couple of years. He was actually diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain back in 2019, though the Astros only learned about that recently. Ivey, 25, gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings in his major league debut back on May 21. Ivey previously indicated that he might actually need surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, though it’s unclear where things stand on that decision. Either way, another promising young arm for the Astros faces some serious questions.

Ivey allowed four runs on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk over 4 2/3 innings in his major-league debut against the Rangers on Friday night. The 25-year-old righty should be back in the majors at some point again this season.

Ivey, one of the Astros’ better pitching prospects, allowed six hits (including a solo homer to Brock Holt) while walking one and striking out three. He gave up a two-run double to Adolis Garcia in a 29-pitch fourth inning, but the frame could have been much worse. Showing a funky delivery, the 25-year-old wasn’t overpowering, topping out at 91.1 mph with his fastball while mixing in a slider, curveball, and changeup. Ivey profiles as a potential backend starting pitcher, but he’s not someone to add in mixed fantasy leagues.

He’ll make his big league debut on Friday against the Rangers. The 25-year-old impressed the Astros brass during Spring Training, though he has struggled to a 7.11 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 6 1/3 innings over two appearances at Triple-A. He’s not a recommended streaming option on Friday -- even against a slumping Rangers lineup.

The 25-year-old is one of the Astros top prospects and looked strong during limited action in spring training but allowed five earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in two appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land. This is likely only a one-off start for the right-hander given the impressive performance of Luis Garcia and the imminent return of Framber Valdez and Jake Odorizzi.

There are no major surprises among this round of cuts from Astros camp. Ivey has looked sharp this spring in Grapefruit League play and is tracking toward making his MLB debut at some point in 2021.