Setting the stage: Astros manager reveals blueprint for Joey Loperfido's initial impact

THE NEXT BIG THING?

Setting the stage: Astros manager reveals blueprint for Joey Loperfido's initial impact
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.

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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The Astros beat the White Sox, 10-2. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Christian Walker homered among his three hits and had a season-high four RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Chicago White Sox 10-2 on Wednesday night.

Jose Altuve added two hits to give him 2,300 in his career, joining Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (2,342) as the only active players with at least 2,300.

Altuve got things going with an RBI double in the first. There were two outs in the inning when Walker homered to left field off Sean Burke (3-7) to make it 3-0.

Houston starter Ryan Gusto (4-3) allowed seven hits and two runs with a season-best seven strikeouts in a season-high six innings.

Josh Rojas had two hits for the White Sox, who fell to 7-27 on the road.

Altuve singled with two outs in the third before Yainer Diaz walked. Walker then smacked a line drive to center field for a double to score them both and push the lead to 5-0.

There was one out in the fourth when Cam Smith hit a ground-rule double. With two outs, Jeremy Peña doubled on a ball that bounced off the wall in left field to make it 6-0. Isaac Paredes followed with another RBI double to chase Burke, who yielded eight hits and seven runs — both career highs — in 3 2/3 innings.

Rojas singled in the fifth and moved to third on a ground-rule double by Vinny Capra. Rojas scored on a groundout by Mike Tauchman to cut it to 7-1. Miguel Vargas hit an RBI single to make it 7-2.

Paredes had three hits and two RBIs to help the Astros snap a two-game skid.

Key moment

Walker’s home run that put Houston up 3-0 early.

He talked about his big night following the game.

Key stat

Walker had just two RBIs in his previous six games.

Up next

Houston LHP Framber Valdez (6-4, 3.07 ERA) opposes RHP Davis Martin (2-6, 3.62) when the series concludes Thursday night.

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