How Astros infield domino effect could pay dividends for revenge tour

BANK ON IT!

The Houston Astros now how their middle infield set for the foreseeable future, with Jose Altuve locked up for six more years and Jeremy Pena under contract through 2027.

Jose Abreu is still under team control for another two seasons, and we all know Alex Bregman could be playing his last year in an Astros uniform.

And let's face it, even if Yainer Diaz doesn't take a step forward this season, there's no way he'll hit worse than Martin Maldonado. So as we examine the infield over the next few years, Jeremy Pena looks like the biggest question mark.

Will he continue to struggle with the bat like last season, or will he bounce back and regain the power he showcased in 2022? Pena is very tough to predict. He went from World Series MVP to a player that had to be pinch hit for in the ALCS last season.

Pena has been working on a new swing this offseason that he's excited to unleash in 2024. Which got us wondering, if he finds his power stroke again, is that enough to say that he had a bounce back season?

When looking at the numbers, the simple answer is yes. He improved his on-base percentage and batting average in 2023. If he can continue to build on that and get back to swatting over 20 homers a season, the Astros infield will be in good shape.

Plus, we all hope Jose Abreu can return to form as well. After a lackluster regular season, Abreu really got things going in the playoffs. Many believe rest was a big part of his postseason success.

If he gets off to a slow start, should the Astros consider platooning him from time to time to get the best version of Abreu?

While many people saw the Astros trade for Trey Cabbage as a left-handed bat that can play the outfield, there's another layer to his game.

Cabbage played over 50 games at first base in the minors last season. So he could be an option with some serious power that could fill in at first.

Finally, if the Astros do move on from Alex Bregman, could Mauricio Dubon be an option to take his place? Certainly he'll never be the hitter Bregman is, or walk nearly as much. But he could be a serviceable option while the Astros look for a permanent Bregman replacement.

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

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Texans safety CJ Gardner-Johnson had to be carted off the field. Composite Getty Image.

After a light day on Wednesday, the Texans put the pads back on for an intense Thursday practice. One of the newest Texans, CJ Gardner-Johnson has drawn a lot of attention at camp. Which should be expected when a Super Bowl champion safety joins the team.

Earlier in the week, things got a little heated between Gardner-Johnson and tight end Cade Stover, which made headlines. Unfortunately for CJ, he's in the news for a very different reason on Thursday.

According to multiple reports, Gardner-Johnson is dealing with a right leg injury, and was carted off the field.

The extent of the injury won't be known until more test are taken. But based on the vibes, this does not sound good.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update after practice.

The Texans are now suddenly thin at the safety position if Gardner-Johnson misses significant time. Safety Jaylen Reed is already out with an injury, per Aaron Wilson" target="_blank">Aaron Wilson, and Jimmie Ward is recovering from foot surgery, and dealing with some legal troubles.

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The Texans head to Minnesota to play their first preseason game against the Vikings this Saturday.

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