Jose Abreu’s return from an optional assignment to the minor leagues will indirectly further crowd the the team’s outfield mix, writes Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Manager Joe Espada said yesterday that with Abreu back on the roster, Yordan Alvarez is likely to see more time in left field, allowing both Abreu and Jon Singleton to be in the lineup at first base and designated hitter.
Alvarez has made consecutive starts in left field after previously appearing in only three games at the position. Espada noted that Alvarez picking up outfield at-bats will come at the expense of Chas McCormick and Mauricio Dubon, adding that he’ll still work to keep everyone involved in the mix for playing time. (MVP candidate Kyle Tucker and center fielder Jake Meyers, in the midst of a breakout showing, naturally don’t appear as though their playing time will be impacted.)
Abreu is 1-for-6 with an RBI single since being recalled from a monthlong sojourn to the minor leagues — a rare assignment for a veteran of his status but one to which the former AL MVP consented after a disastrous start to the season. He went 7-for-22 with a homer and a pair of doubles with Houston’s Rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate. Abreu then played a pair of games in Triple-A Sugar Land and went 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts.
The Astros are trying what they can to get Abreu back on track after a disappointing debut campaign in 2023 and a calamitous .099/.156/.113 slash through his first 77 plate appearances of the current campaign. It’s not clear what kind of leash Abreu will have, particularly with Houston sitting 6.5 games back in both the AL West and in the AL Wild Card chase, but Abreu’s three-year, $58.5MM contract gives the team plenty of financial incentive to try to turn things around.
Between Abreu and the 32-year-old Singleton, who returned to the majors after a seven-year absence last season, the Astros’ first base mix has been woefully unproductive. Singleton has turned in a .221/.327/.359 slash — roughly league-average offense (102 wRC+) that’s been accompanied by poorly rated defense (-4 Defensive Runs Saved, -4 Outs Above Average in 293 innings).
That lackluster output from the team’s first basemen is just one of many reasons the Astros find themselves staring at a 24-32 record with more than a third of the season in the books. The rotation’s health — or rather, the lack thereof — has also been a prominent factor. On that front, Espada provided a mixed bag of updates.
On the positive side of things, right-hander Luis Garcia is continuing to progress well in his rehab from last year’s Tommy John surgery. He threw off a mound at Minute Maid Park last week, and MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart tweets that the right-hander is now slated to throw to hitters in his next throwing session. McTaggart adds that righty Lance McCullers Jr., who’s on the mend from flexor surgery, threw a bullpen session this week but is still “a few weeks” from facing live hitters.
Facing live hitters and pitching in simulated game settings are often the last steps before an injured pitcher is cleared to set out on a minor league rehab assignment. Garcia will presumably have multiple live batting practice sessions before progressing to a rehab stint, which could last up to 30 days itself. A return isn’t right around the corner just yet, but he’s on track for a midsummer debut this year. McCullers, it seems, isn’t terribly far behind him.
Less encouraging were Espada’s updates on injured right-handers Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier. Both are “getting opinions from other doctors,” according to Espada (via McTaggart). Seeking second opinions is always an ominous step for a pitcher, particularly when both are dealing with this type of injury. Urquidy has yet to pitch this season after suffering a forearm strain in spring training. Javier went on the injured list last week with forearm discomfort.
Ghost Pepper
It’s not KC it’s Gesele.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Why “live” hitters? Are there other types? Hitters on tape delay? Hitters via zoom? Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner?
davengmusic
C’mon dude…Obviously holograms!
Dumpster Divin Theo
Gotta admit would be pretty sweet if he could retitre Nat King Cole while collectively crooning a few bars of Unforgettable
Chicken In Philly?
Simulated game.
Salzilla
Zombies
P N Protocol
Don’t be obtuse. They obviously use mannequins.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Obtuse? Into the hole you go for another 30 days. And don’t forget to shine my shoes.
P N Protocol
Hold on, Skippy. A person who referenced Nat King Cole is jarred by a little descriptive language? I don’t believe it. A person who can correctly allude to Nat King Cole is too cool to be tripped up by a college-level word.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Another 30 days in the hole for you. And while you’re at it, do my taxes
holecamels35
Lance McCullers, exists???
Twoston
Season from hell…
CaseyAbell
I know he’s got a big contract, but when do the Astros finally toss in the towel on Abreu? What’s the point of trying to force this guy into the lineup? At this point the Astros can’t afford to weaken themselves in any way.
astros_fan_84
It’s a good question. I guess they “have” to give 30-50 at bats to see what he’s got. Personally, I’m ready to move on, but I understand giving a HOFer one last chance.
Liberalsteve
hof? lol
Chicken In Philly?
The Astros really don’t like to be wrong. I’m surprised Abreu nosedived this quickly, but they’ve paid out about what he should have been paid on the open market already.
❤️ MuteButton
It is definitely a perplexing situation. Nobody could’ve forecasted Abreu would nose dive like he has. Personally I feel like it’s time to cut bait for the good of the team, but I do understand they may want to give him some AB’s post minor-league assignment. I hope they don’t need 50 at bats to prove what they already know. I confess I actually want to see him fail just so we can move along and not drag this out. If he hits a couple dingers, it gets drug out way longer than it needs to.
BKS1110
They think so highly of Singleton being in the lineup that they move Yordan and his knees into the outfield and sit Chas McCormick? Is there anything about this organization that has NOT fallen into disfunction since Crane fired his smart GM and started listening to stat-hating ex-players like Bagwell?
❤️ MuteButton
I agree with you for the most part, but Dusty Baker sure did make some perplexing lineups. But overall you have to admit, they worked.
thickiedon
Filling in at 1B should be Dubón. Cut Abreu and Singleton. Bring Loperfido back up.
astros_fan_84
Singleton is fine. League average ain’t nothing.
Twoston
I’d like to see Loperfido get an opportunity at 1st. He’s played it in the minors so he would be totally green over there.
❤️ MuteButton
Dubon/Loperfido – That does seem obvious
Motown is My Town
Alveraz needs to start hitting like he’s capable of doing as he’s killing my fantasy team. He’s been a stud for the past 3-4 years but this year he’s a huge dud. I’m bummed
❤️ MuteButton
Well I’m sorry about your fantasy team, but I am much more concerned about first base and third base. Is Bregy going to be able to pull it together? Not helping his free agency cause for sure.
WSnotAstros2017
These are not hitting their stride: Altuve although average is up there his on base is sliding. Alvarez has not been hitting for power. He got a double today but was left there. He has been getting on with a single or walk but is left stranded. Pena has picked it up but last couple of games nothing.
Diaz who was the hot topic even last season was not being used as he has the offense. Maybe did have some but Clearly nothing this season. Carratini the same. Yes a HR this afternoon and a couple walk offs. I am not sure on their catching if calling good games. And who has best timing of throwing runners out. Diaz stumbled last night. Pass ball even Catcher’s interverence calls this season.
Abreu clearly did not see this season start for him. Dana and Espada are giving him June or perhaps part of it I think to see where things stand. Singleton yes is league average but is not our future. Neither is Abreu for rest of this season and next. If Abreu gone at deadline or sooner who can Houston get to take over. Do they look at deadline or do they look at off season.
Starting pitching: Verlander age. Framber a head case. He has not been all that this season. Javier may be out for season. France I think he is out although in Minors. Urquidy may be out as well With fact they are looking at 2nd opinions that does not sound good.
McCullers and Garcia who knows what they will have. Garcia went out for TJ and McCullers really has not pitched in a good while. Nothing last season. The year of the WS win for Dusty barely a month or two. So will either help if return in July or August. Who knows where we will be then.
Bregman and Tucker are a couple others. Will Bregman walk at end of season. Could he go sooner. Tucker as well. Although Tucker could stick around another season as his contract not up.
What is Houston future for
Rotation???
Bullpen?????
First?????
Third?????
Outfield?????
Management. will Espada remain after this season. Not sure with his contract. I know Crane only gave Dusty one year. Click the same.
But I do think unless a huge miracle happens their number is up this season. Streak of reaching playoffs will end.
PiratesFan1981
Abreu needs a trash can to help his game.
cakingtx
Silver brownish lining for the Stros, other teams are going through the same trials. If the bats get going and they win the West, they’ll go far on offense facing mediocre pitching. Theoretically, as always, they perform better against “known” competition but can still be stifled by bullpen starters and their own relief corps. In the end, MLB gets what it wants. More runs at the cost of more surgically repaired arms.
❤️ MuteButton
Baseball is a crazy game. It’s a marathon, the Astros are not done.