The Houston Astros veteran finally figured it out

Not long ago, the Houston Astros were dealing with a costly problem that they were considering getting rid of. Now, the player has become a reliable reliever again.

Ryan Pressly has spent the last few years as an elite reliever for Houston.

Over three years, he posted a 2.94 ERA and an incredible .985 WHIP while making 90 saves. He was the best kind of slugger you could have. He struck out batters at an insane rate while not allowing a free base and rarely giving up a home run.

The Texas native’s best season during that span came in 2021. He finished with a 2.25 ERA and 0.890 WHIP while earning his second All-Star nod.

He lost that job when Josh Hader signed a historic contract. Pressly returned to his role as a point man and things didn’t go well.

Within the first couple of months, fans were starting to grumble when it was his turn. He had a 5.40 ERA in his first 27 appearances. Batters were hitting .311/.360/.485 against him as he blew five saves and converted just one.

It didn’t help that new closer Hader also had a horrible start to the season.

The Astros were in their worst shape in a decade, and the once-reliable pitchers looked like rookies.

Houston manager Joe Espada has made no secret of his shortcomings and acknowledged that something will have to change in his preparation and usage given that he is entering games earlier than he is used to.

Over the past month, a switch has been flipped and he’s looking like his normal, reliable self (if not an even better version).

Opposing teams haven’t scored a run against the 35-year-old since June 11. During that span, hitters have hit just .143/.189/.143. He’s allowed five hits, but all were singles and never more than one in an outing.

The Astros are 12-2 in games he’s played in that span, with another save.

Again, Pressly spent the first eight years of his career primarily as a setup man. He knows how to come out of the bullpen in situations where there is no backup, it just took him a little while to get used to it again.

Even if he doesn’t keep up this absurd pace for the rest of the season, it’s nice to know he still has some left in him as Houston prepares for a playoff run.