Ryan Pressly has been the one constant in the Astros’ volatile bullpen. It’s been that way since 2020 when injuries decimated the relief staff and forced the veteran righty to carry a unit comprised almost exclusively of rookies. Little has changed in 2021.
Although the Astros signed experienced, proven relievers such as Ryne Stanek and the yet-to-pitch Pedro Báez last offseason, the struggles in the middle and late innings have persisted throughout much of the season. Even 37-year-old Joe Smith, a key cog during the club’s World Series run in 2019, has been ineffective when on the mound after returning to the team following his opt-out in 2020.