Bullpen Files: Entry 1
No Wiggle Room: Steven Okert’s First Impression
Okert’s margin is razor thin. This was the first step toward sticking.
Context
The Astros bullpen has gone through the pitching carwash, guided by coaches Josh Miller and Bill Murphy. There are question marks. Kaleb Ort and Forrest Whitley are both on the IL. But the churn is real. In Game Two against the Mets, the last non-roster invitee left standing was Steven Okert.
Background
Okert isn’t a flashy name. His 5.09 ERA in 2024 doesn’t scream high-leverage. He was cut by the Twins after four seasons with the Marlins.
The changeup held its shape. The fastball didn’t. The command needed work.
The Outing
In his first outing with Houston, Okert made the most of his look.
One inning
Three batters
Twelve pitches
One strikeout
Clean frame
The Arsenal
The fastball came in at 93 and worked arm-side, setting up his diabolical slider in the low 80s with big sweep. He’s not overpowering. He doesn’t need to be. The deception comes from the arm angle and tunnel. The slider breaks hard away from righties. It’s a one-two mix that plays when he’s in the zone.
Seven sliders, five fastballs. Every pitch had purpose. The slider averaged 80.1 mph with nearly 15 inches of sweep. Three whiffs on four swings, all with tight shape and good feel for the zone. The fastball played up with late ride. He used it to steal strikes and set the tunnel. CSW finished at 42 percent. Everything stayed in the zone or just off it. Clean sequencing. Clean results.
What It Means
For a lefty fighting for a spot in the middle innings, this was a strong first impression.
If he keeps landing pitches like this, he stays. The arsenal holds together. Okert still has things to work through, and it’s a long year. Like Tayler Scott or Bryan King, he could carve out a role or be gone by June. Okert has no more options. He has to earn it and keep it.