Remaining spots on Houston Astros 2017 Opening Day roster

UPDATE: A.J. Reed, Colin Moran, Tyler White, Teoscar Hernandez were all optioned to minor league camp this morning. This likely means Marisnick will be the 12th man. Reid Brignac will get an opportunity to catch on with another club. Feel free to skip the position player section, as I picked Moran over Marisnick.

The Houston Astros 2017 roster is pretty much set. By my calculations there are four spots still up in the air. One maybe two position player spots and two or three pitcher spots. A.J. Hinch wants to carry 13 pitchers into the season.

Position players

Minus Jake Marisnick the Astros have 12 position spots filled. If you include him that's your 13. Marisnick is a great defender. He can cover all three outfield positions. He doesn't hit and that trend has continued during Spring Training. You might be wondering how the OF shapes up without him. George Springer came up as a center fielder in the minor leagues. Josh Reddick will man left. Either Nori Aoki or Yulieski Gurriel or Carlos Beltran will be in left. Marwin Gonzalez can play out there in a pinch. I think there is an opportunity to take someone else over Marisnick.

Teoscar Hernandez has not hit well this spring. That leaves A.J. Reed, Colin Moran, and Reid Brignac. Reed and Moran are killing the ball this spring. Both seem to have found their stroke. We've seen this before though (see: Tyler White 2016). Brignac is a utility infielder. He's played a little outfield but not much. He'd be a part time player.

Reed and Moran are both interesting. Reed for his power. Moran for his hit ability and his flexibility at first or third (wait can he play outfield?). Both have an OPS over 1.000 this spring. I like the idea of giving Moran an opportunity.

Pitchers

This is where things get fun. Three spots. One rotation spot and two relief spots. I don't think Mike Fiers has a rotation spot locked up. I do think Charlie Morton has one. That leaves Fiers, Joe Musgrove, and Brad Peacock as options. Peacock has not pitched well this spring. That leaves the last spot to either Fiers or Musgrove. I like Musgrove and love the idea of starting him on the roster this season. That would leave two bullpen spots. James Hoyt has a good chance of getting one with an ERA below two currently. That leaves Michael Feliz (3.12 ERA), Jandel Gustave (2.70 ERA), and David Paulino (3.86 ERA).

Sorry, no left-handed options unless a trade is made before the season. Feliz has the most service time. I'd default to him if I had to choose.

Who you got?

No matter who you choose, the Astros have a pretty good roster. Those that don't make the roster, make for an intriguing option during the season.