Astros' Burrows Impresses in Spring Training

New Houston pitcher continues scoreless streak in latest outing

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows has been dominant in spring training, throwing 12 2/3 scoreless innings so far while striking out 15 batters. Burrows, who the Astros acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been working on throwing his slider more effectively against left-handed hitters and has had success with it. In his latest outing, Burrows threw four more scoreless innings, limiting the Washington Nationals to three hits and two walks while striking out five.

Why it matters

Burrows' strong spring performance is an encouraging sign for the Astros, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation after losing some key pieces in the offseason. If Burrows can carry this success into the regular season, he could emerge as a valuable addition to the Astros' pitching staff.

The details

Burrows has been experimenting with throwing his slider more to left-handed hitters this spring, a pitch that he used sparingly against them last season with the Pirates. In his latest outing, he threw 20 sliders, including 11 to lefties, and said he was pleased with how the pitch played. Overall, Burrows threw 77 pitches, including working out of a jam in his final inning when two runners got on base with one out. He struck out the final two batters to end his night.

  • Burrows has thrown 12 2/3 scoreless innings in spring training so far.
  • In his latest outing on March 12, 2026, Burrows threw four more scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals.

The players

Mike Burrows

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who the Houston Astros acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a December trade. Burrows has been dominant in spring training, throwing 12 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 15 batters.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who was pleased with Burrows' latest outing and his ability to work out of a jam.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just throwing it, ripping it in there and not trying to guide it and see how it played.”

— Mike Burrows, Pitcher (Houston Chronicle)

“For me was once you start going twice through the lineup, we just want to see how his stuff looks after pitch 60. He just continues to pump strikes and execute pitches and get out of jam.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Burrows will get one more start this spring and he said he'd like to get through five innings to continue stretching himself out and getting ready for the regular season.

The takeaway

Burrows' dominant spring training performance is a promising sign for the Astros, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation. If he can carry this success into the regular season, he could emerge as a valuable addition to the team's pitching staff.