THE NEXT BIG THING?
Setting the stage: Astros manager reveals blueprint for Joey Loperfido's initial impact
Apr 30, 2024, 12:58 pm
Help at first base isn't coming anytime soon. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.
The Astros have finally decided to add Joey Loperfido to the big league club. One of the attributes he brings to the team is versatility. He's more comfortable in the outfield, but he can also play some first and second base.
We're all aware of the disastrous production the Astros have received at first base from Jose Abreu and Jon Singleton. But that doesn't necessarily mean that's where Loperfido will play initially.
Astros manager Joe Espada said on the Astros flagship that Loperfido will start in the outfield Tuesday night against the Guardians. Espada stated they would like to get Loperfido more comfortable at first base before they decide to start him there.
Joey Loperfido is playing in the outfield today, Espada said. That is where Loperfido is most comfortable, Espada said, and the Astros wanted him there on his first day. https://t.co/dXzFFMDSEs
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2024
Also, Chas McCormick is still dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, said Espada. So playing Loperfido in the outfield does make sense on several levels.
But do the Astros have enough time to wait for Loperfido to develop at first base?
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank debate how they would use Loperfido moving forward.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.