Dusty Baker’s surprising statement raises questions about Astros prospect
THERE'S A CATCH
03 May 2023
Prior to the start of the season, Yainer Diaz was expected to get a bump in playing time with Christian Vazquez leaving for Minnesota and Martin Maldonado in the last year of his deal at 36 years old.
But despite Maldonado's challenges at the plate (.162/.250/.235), and decline in defensive skills, Diaz has not been playing as much as expected. And he's not getting enough at-bats to make any reasonable conclusions about how he's progressing in MLB.
When manager Dusty Baker was asked about the distribution of playing time, he said it's been difficult to get enough opportunities for Diaz AND catcher César Salazar. And we shouldn't expect Maldonado's role to change until the schedule shifts.
Be sure to check out the video above as we lay out why these comments are so head-scratching.
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How latest Yordan Alvarez news provides clarity on multiple levels for Astros
May 7, 2025, 12:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
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