PALLILO POINTS

As Astros toy with the American League, the schedule gets easier

The Astros took care of business over the weekend by sweeping the A's and getting contributions from up and down the lineup.

Houston is on pace to win over 100 games again, and they're doing a lot of damage without some of their best players. The Astros begin a series with the Mariners on Monday night and then will face the Orioles when they get back home to Houston.

Both the Mariners and the Orioles are having underwhelming seasons to put it kindly.

Most Popular

The Houston Astros haven't counted on their catchers to deliver much offensive production in recent years, with defensive specialist Martin Maldonado being their primary catcher for the last few seasons. But top hitting prospect Yainer Diaz is making a case to get more playing time behind the plate and at first, based on his ability to swing the bat.

Until recently, he hasn't been able to get any meaningful playing time. Even David Hensley, who was optioned to Sugar Land a few weeks ago, has more plate appearances than Diaz this season.

So how does manager Dusty Baker find more opportunities for Diaz? Should he use him more often as a DH, along with getting time at first base and catcher?

And what does that mean for Jose Abreu, Martin Maldonado, and to a lesser extent, former first round pick and Sugar Land Space Cowboy catcher, Korey Lee?

Plus, considering how good the Astros outfielders have been this year, does the team need to grab another bat before the trade deadline?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

Subscribe to SportsMapHouston on YouTube if you enjoy the videos.

Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM