Astros manager Bo Porter said Sunday reliever Jose Cisnero has earned the opportunity to pitch in high-pressure situations after he tossed two scoreless innings and picked up the relief win Saturday against the Cubs.
"He's proven us right many times already," Porter said, per MLB.com. "There's nothing that's going to stop us from putting him into any situation because he's responded quite well. You look at his demeanor on the mound, and it doesn't change. He continues to make quality pitch after quality pitch, and we have all the trust in the world and belief that he can get the job done."
Cisnero has a 2.20 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 32 2/3 innings in his rookie season. However, he has been much improved lately, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and three holds in his last 12 2/3 innings.
"Gradually, we've put him into some more intensified situations, and he's answered the bell every time," Porter said. "I think moving forward, he's gaining more confidence, we're gaining more confidence in him, and we believe that he'll be a vital part of the success of this organization for many years moving forward."