Astros RHP James Hicks Sets New Career High With 12 Strikeouts
A fractured forearm cost Astros RHP James Hicks three months this season, but he returned to Double-A Corpus Christi in early August to get back on track. Hicks turned it up on a notch on Wednesday. The 24-year-old struck out a career-high 12 batters over six innings, and his lone blemish was a solo homer by Missions catcher Anthony Vilar. Hicks retired the first 15 batters he faced in order. Ranked No. 21 in Houston’s system, Hicks doesn’t throw particularly hard but has a wide assortment of offerings to keep hitters guessing: a pair of low-90s fastball shapes, three breaking balls–including a sweeper that averages roughly 15 inches of horizontal break–and a changeup. He’s now 1-4, 5.68 with 35 strikeouts to 11 walks in 38 innings.
