How Michael Brantley's return could have polarizing consequences for Houston Astros
NOT SO FAST!
17 August 2023
The Houston Astros received some good news this week with Michael Brantley beginning his rehab stint with the Space Cowboys and hitting a home run in his first game.
Astros general manager Dana Brown said recently that when Brantley is ready to play every day, he'll play every day. So if that's the case, Brantley and Yordan Alvarez will be in the lineup daily at DH and left field. Which means Chas McCormick can only be deployed in center field.
We also know that Dusty Baker starts Mauricio Dubon in center every time Justin Verlander is on the mound. And Jake Meyers is typically in center when Framber Valdez starts. So are we looking at a scenario where Chas McCormick is getting less playing time?
To be fair, Dusty Baker opted to go with Chas in center field once the playoffs started last year, but the Astros are in a different place this season. They are still trailing the Rangers in the division with about 40 games to go, making every game of the utmost importance.
And we haven't even addressed the Yainer Diaz implications. With Brantley and Yordan playing daily, Yainer will likely only be used as a catcher, which means he'll only start once or twice a week.
So what needs to happen?
Dusty Baker needs to commit to Chas McCormick as the everyday option in center, and Jake Meyers and Maurico Dubon only need to play the outfield when one of the regulars needs a day off. Chas McCormick is just too good of a hitter to not be a constant in the lineup.
Finally, what's the ideal batting order for the team once everyone is back to full health?
Be sure to watch the video above as we lay it all out!
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Green and VanVleet score 21 each as Houston Rockets rout San Antonio Spurs
Nov 7, 2024, 11:40 am
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had 21 points each and the Houston Rockets built a huge lead early and coasted to a 127-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.
Houston never trailed and had built a 25-point lead by halftime. The Rockets were up by 27 points when coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench with about 6½ minutes remaining.
Alperen Sengun added 16 points for the Rockets, who won for the fourth time in five games. VanVleet had 10 assists and seven rebounds — both season-highs — to go with his top scoring effort of the season.
Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs, who lost a second straight game. They were playing a third consecutive game without coach Gregg Popovich, who is out indefinitely while recovering from an illness. Mitch Johnson is filling in as interim coach while the 75-year-old Popovich, who did not travel with the team on this road trip, is out.
Takeaways
Spurs: San Antonio’s defense suffered Wednesday in its first game without top on-ball defender Jeremy Sochan, who suffered a fractured left thumb that will require surgery in Monday’s game. Rookie Stephon Castle, who started in his place, will need to step up with Sochan likely out for an extended period.
Rockets: After failing to play consistently for four quarters in the last two games, Houston finally put together a complete game against the Spurs.
Key moment
The Rockets were up by 7 with about five minutes left in the first quarter before using a 7-0 run, with the first five points by VanVleet, to make it 22-8. The Spurs didn’t get closer than 10 points after that.
Key stat
The Rockets dominated inside, outscoring the Spurs 66-46 in the paint.
Up next
San Antonio hosts Portland on Thursday night and the Rockets visit Oklahoma City on Friday night.
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