How Michael Brantley's return could have polarizing consequences for Houston Astros
NOT SO FAST!
17 August 2023
NOT SO FAST!
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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Juan Soto hit his first homer with the New York Mets, helping his new team beat the Houston Astros 3-1 on Friday night.
With two out in the third inning, Soto drove a 1-2 pitch from Hunter Brown deep to right for a solo shot that lifted New York to a 3-0 lead.
Soto's 390-foot shot came a day after he struck out on a full-count slider from closer Josh Hader with two on and two out in a 3-1 opening-day loss.
Before that, Soto singled and walked twice Thursday in his Mets debut. The slugger signed a record $765 million, 15-year contract as a free agent in December.
New York starter Tylor Megill (1-0) pitched five-plus innings of one-run ball. He allowed three hits, struck out six and walked one.
Edwin Díaz struck out one in a perfect ninth for his first save, finishing a three-hitter.
Brown (0-1) struck out seven in six innings. He allowed four hits and walked three.
Mark Vientos hit an RBI double for New York in the second and scored on a single by Jesse Winker.
Houston scored its only run in the fourth on Yordan Alvarez's sacrifice fly.
The Astros had a runner on first with one out in the eighth when Luisangel Acuña made a diving stop on Alvarez's grounder to second, popped up and threw to first for the out.
Houston was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.
The Astros loaded the bases with one out in the sixth, but Reed Garrett struck out Alvarez before retiring Yainer Diaz on a fly ball to right-center.
The Mets have won the last seven games started by Megill dating to Aug. 30.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti opposes Griffin Canning when the series wraps up Saturday night. Arrighetti looks to build on a strong rookie season when his 171 strikeouts were the third-most by a rookie in franchise history.