Coming into the season, one of the areas of the club the Astros were hoping would improve was the play at first base. Jose Abreu finished the 2023 regular season with the ninth-worst OPS in baseball among qualified players.

However, he did play well in the postseason. So fans were holding out hope we would see that version of Abreu in 2024.

Unfortunately, with three series already in the books, Abreu has done little to make people believe he'll be any better this season. He's currently hitting .067 (2-30) with an OPS of .219.

If Abreu had enough at-bats to qualify, he would have the worst OPS in baseball. Certainly the stats are concerning, as they show a trend that is continuing from last season. But the eye test is what really stands out with Abreu. He looks overmatched even by fastballs in the low-nineties, and his frustration was noticeable after poor at-bats in the Rangers series.

But what can the Astros do? Manager Joe Espada has already moved him down to the seven spot in the lineup, and his backup Jon Singleton isn't hitting much better.

The 'Stros don't really have any minor league first basemen ready to make the jump to the big leagues. Joey Loperfido is crushing dingers at Triple-A, but he's also striking out at an alarming rate.

Many fans are clamoring for Mauricio Dubon to get some starts at first base, be he doesn't have much experience at the position, and he doesn't provide the power numbers of a typical first baseman. But at this point, something has to be better than nothing.

As it stands today, the Astros might have to roll with the most brutal option, starting Abreu and hoping he somehow pulls out of his yearlong funk.

Don't miss the video above as we address Abreu's disappointing start to the season, and discuss some other options the Astros may turn to if his struggles continue.