WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Astros are still banking on an effective Tony Sipp to be in their bullpen at the beginning of the season, which means rediscovering his split-fingered fastball and maintaining an effective fastball-slider combination.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch hinted on Friday that the veteran left-hander has the inside track on the final spot in the bullpen, which isn't surprising considering the competition. The only left-handed reliever the club added in the offseason -- other than departed Rule 5 Draft pickup Anthony Gose -- was Buddy Boshers, who has allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings this spring.