How these underlying factors could be influencing Astros infield puzzle
POWER PLAY
23 May 2023
The Houston Astros got a big lift with the return of Jose Altuve, and many believed this would give Dusty Baker the opportunity to drop the struggling Jose Abreu in the lineup.
But even after a walk-off win with Kyle Tucker in the cleanup spot, and Jose Altuve back in the fold, Dusty put Abreu right back in the four spot in the following game. Normally this wouldn't be that big a deal, especially with the team well overall. But Abreu is literally second to last in all of MLB in OPS and slugging. Essentially, making him the second-worst hitter in the league this season.
And Maurico Dubon who led the team in hits, runs, and doubles when Jose Altuve returned, didn't play a single game in the A's series. But when Dubon got the start on Monday night against the Brewers, he hit his first home run of the season off former Cy Young winner Corbin Burns. (Abreu is still sitting at zero homers on the season).
First HR of the season ✅ pic.twitter.com/K3tcntl2Vk
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 23, 2023
So what should the Astros do? Altuve is going to play regularly at second base, and Abreu will start most games at first based on his large contract. But dropping Abreu in the lineup should be a lock until he starts swinging the bat. However, Abreu has played in 46 of 47 games this season. Why not give him some days off from time to time and get Dubon in the lineup? They could do the same thing with Alex Bregman and Jeremy Pena. This would allow the starters in the infield to get a day off occasionally, and provide more opportunities for Dubon to play more regularly.
There's no reason the second-worst hitter in baseball has to be in the lineup and hitting cleanup every single game. It's time for Dusty Baker to address the problem, because there are quality solutions on the roster.
Be sure to check out the video above as we break down the infield conundrum and much more!
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Jose Altuve and rookie Jacob Melton drove in three runs each as the Houston Astros jumped on Chris Paddack early and cruised to a 10-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Paddack (2-6) tied career highs by allowing 12 hits and nine runs — eight earned — in just four innings for his third straight loss.
Houston rookie starter Colton Gordon (2-1) gave up six hits and two runs with five strikeouts in a career-high six innings.
Jeremy Peña tied a season-high with four hits and rookie Cam Smith had two hits and two RBIs as the AL West-leading Astros won their third straight.
Willi Castro, Royce Lewis and Ty France all hit solo homers for the Twins, who were blown out for the third time in four games after losing to Texas 16-4 Tuesday and 16-3 Thursday.
Lewis, who missed the start of the season with a hamstring strain, pulled up as he was running to first base on a single in the ninth inning and was replaced by a pinch-runner. There was no immediate word on his injury.
The Astros got to work early in this one. The bases were loaded with two outs in the first when Smith hit a two-run single to center field to make it 2-0. Melton followed with a single to right field to drive in another run.
There were runners on first and third with one out in the second when Altuve’s double scored two to make it 5-0.
The Twins loaded the bases with two outs in the third but Carlos Correa grounded out to end the threat.
Melton hit a two-run triple with no outs in the bottom of the inning to push the lead to 7-0. A sacrifice fly by Mauricio Dubón made it 8-0.
The Twins got on the board with Castro’s two-out homer in the fourth inning.
Altuve homered to left-center to start the bottom of the inning and make it 9-1.
Key moment
Smith’s two-RBI single in the first that gave Houston the lead for good.
Key stat
The Astros had four doubles to give them 15 in their last three games.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (8-3, 1.82 ERA) opposes Twins RHP Joe Ryan (7-2, 2.96) on Saturday.
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