Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow is considering using starting pitching prospect Jarred Cosart as the team's closer in 2013, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
Rated baseball's No. 50 prospect by Baseball America before the 2012 season, Cosart made 15 starts at Double-A in 2012, going 5-5 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 87 innings. He also made five starts and one relief appearance at Triple-A, going 1-2 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings.
The team traded 2012 closer Wilton Lopez to the Rockies last week and has no obvious candidate ready to replace him.
While Cosart could challenge Wesley Wright and other options should the Astros not sign a go-to closer, it's more likely he ends up back in Triple-A to continue development as a starting pitcher.
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