Rhiner Cruz

The Astros selected Cruz from the Mets with the first pick in the 2011 Rule 5 Draft. He got into 52 games for Houston, showing decent strikeout potential but serving up far too many home runs (1.3 HR/9). Cruz was able to control the walks early in the year, allowing just one walk against six strikeouts through his first five appearances before the wheels came off: Cruz walked 28 in the next 48.2 innings, good for a 5.2 BB/9. With the burden of having to have Cruz on the roster all season long now lifted, the need for Cruz to perform has become paramount. Any sign of last year's problems during the spring will force him to open the season at Triple-A.