Major Leaguer resume Vol.101/ WBC Player’s resume Vol.87: Louis Garcia(Houston Astros) : Major Candidate for Team Venezuela: ““Rock the baby” delivery!!”

■Today’s player
Today's player is the Houston Astros' young starter, Luis Garcia. Garcia is from Bolivar, Venezuela, and will join Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

■The KAISPO's baseball analyst comments
"Garcia is a young hope starter for the Astros, the 2022 World Champ.

In 2022, Garcia earned the team's 3rd most 15 and double-digit wins in 2 consecutive seasons for the Astros that led the American League in ERA.

The righty has a unique pitching windup, "rock the baby," in which he rocks his arms back and forth, then takes one step forward and one step backward before throwing the ball.

He has increased the percentage of his cutter to get batters swinging since 2021. Also, his curveball is effective as a finishing pitch.

The new pitch timer rule starting in 2023, states that a pitcher must have a clear point to begin his delivery. So his windup would be illegal. But once he gets into the motion of pitching, his form is simple. So he will adjust to the new rule.

Garcia will be expected to lead the starting pitching staff to complement a legendary ace, Verlander, who moved to the Mets."

■Story
Luis Garcia appeared in a major league game for the first time with Houston late in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, recording 0-1 with a 2.92 ERA over five games, including one start.

In 2021, the right-hander had a brilliant season as a rookie, going 11-8 with a 3.48 across 30 outings, including 28 starts in 155 1/3 innings, and striking out 167 batters. He ranked second in the vote for the Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2022, the 26-year-old Venezuelan showed further growth. He entrenched himself in the Astros' strong starting rotation. Garcia made 28 starts covering 157.1 frames, posting his career-high 15 wins(8 losses) with a 3.72 ERA and 157 strikeouts to help Houston win its second World Series title.

■MLB Career Stats
At the end of the 2022 campaign, Luis Garcia has logged 26-17 with a 3.57 ERA and 333 strikeouts through 63 contests, including 157.1 frames in his three big league seasons.
(MLB No.410 KAISPO No.1590)