Why Houston Astros answer at first base may be the most brutal
STONE COLD 'STROS
09 April 2024
Jose Abreu is off to another slow start. Composite Getty Image.
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.
Astros look to stay in control as division pace quickens
Jun 18, 2025, 4:13 pm
Coming off a dominant offensive performance, the Houston Astros return to the field Wednesday night looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Athletics. Cam Smith’s four-hit breakout powered a 13-3 rout on Tuesday, and now the Astros aim to take control of the series in Game 3 of the four-game set.
Houston, sitting atop the AL West at 42-31, will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez has been in strong form all season, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.10 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 2025. He’ll be looking to build on Houston’s recent pitching success. The Astros have held opponents to a 2.60 ERA over their last 10 games while going 7-3 in that span and outscoring opponents by 24 runs.
The A’s will counter with veteran right-hander Luis Severino, who enters with a 2-6 record and a 4.47 ERA. While his season has been inconsistent, Severino still has the ability to miss bats and will look to keep an Astros lineup in check that’s hitting .271 over its last 10 contests.
The Athletics come in at 30-45 overall and 13-24 at home, and though they've dropped three of four to the Astros this season, the power potential is always there. The A’s have launched 92 home runs so far — seventh-most in the majors — with Tyler Soderstrom and Max Muncy continuing to anchor the offense. Soderstrom has already racked up 14 homers and 45 RBIs on the year, while Muncy has gone deep three times over his last 10 games.
Houston’s offense has been steadily rising, fueled by key performances from both veterans and emerging talent. Jeremy Peña continues to provide steady production with 15 doubles and nine homers on the year, while rookie Cam Smith has caught fire, going 14-for-40 with four doubles and two homers in his last 10 games.
The Astros are 33-13 this season when they out-hit their opponent, and they’ll look to follow that blueprint again Wednesday. First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m. EDT in West Sacramento, with Houston holding a 3-1 edge in the season series.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -162, Athletics +136; over/under is 9 runs
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