Astros, Ty Buttley agree to minor league deal

Astros agree to minor league contract with relief pitcher Thai Bathoryfirst reported by Sam Blum of The Athletic (twitter link). He will likely be seen off the roster at this spring’s major league camp.

Batley has pitched in some of his three MLB seasons, all of which have come as a member of the Angels. His best season was in 2019, when he served 72 1/3 innings off the Halos on 3.98 ERA balls with a 27.2% strikeout percentage out of the bullpen. During the shortened 2020 season, he had a rough run, but struck out just 16.1% of the hitters he faced en route to a 5.81 ERA in 26 1/3 innings.

Buttley could have been in the MLB bullpen next season, but pulled out just before the start of the season. Batley said at the time:I couldn’t help but notice that (his) love and passion for the game was starting to waneHe did not participate in the 2021 campaign, but made a comeback effort last winter. stopped at Triple A Salt Lake.

The 29-year-old had a very difficult first few months at Bees. After allowing his 9 runs in his 12 1/3 frames in the first, he was assigned his June. Batley was not billed on waivers and closed out the year with a full commission to Salt Lake. He closed out the season with his 5.94 ERA in his 36 1/3 frames. Batley generated a ground ball in half of the batted balls he allowed, but needs to improve his number of strikeouts and bases to get a big league look.

Buttley will try to show better form in camp with the Astros. During his DFA last summer, he said, “(had) things to do to get … back to peak condition’ in the wake of his season away. In preparation for another offseason, he wants to play his role in a strong Houston bullpen. The Astros have many bullpen spots sewn on him. Ryan Presley, Rafael Montero, Hector Nellis, Brian Abreu, Rhein Stanek When Phil Mutton If you are healthy you will be locked into a role. Seth Martinez Houston could also consider integrating a left-hander into its right-handed mix.Batley joins Southpaw Austin Davis As an experienced off-roster player seen in spring training.