After ‘surreal’ WS run, Hensley eyes ’23 spot
HOUSTON — Looking again on the tip of the 2022 season, David Hensley can generally hardly imagine it. Called up from Triple-A in August, he swung the bat nicely in restricted motion with the Astros, made the postseason roster and acquired a pair of hits within the World Series.
A championship parade and a ring-sizing adopted earlier than Hensley turned his consideration to 2023. He moved to Houston and commenced figuring out 4 or 5 instances per week, whereas getting baseball drills in at Minute Maid Park with Astros bench coach Joe Espada, assistant hitting coach Jason Kanzler and Minor League hitting coach Aaron Westlake.
The aim for the 6-foot-6 Hensley is to make his first Opening Day roster in 2023, however the reminiscences of the Astros’ 2022 run to the World Series title are nonetheless vivid in his thoughts.
“It was surreal for me,” he stated. “It was like a dream. I didn’t even take the time to comprehend what was going on because it went so fast. Playing every day and traveling and ultimately ended up World Series champs. … That’s the dream every kid growing up wishes for. It happened for me. I’m so blessed and just grateful.”
Hensley, 26, was referred to as up from Triple-A Sugar Land — the place he posted an .898 OPS in 104 video games — on Aug. 20 and slashed .345/.441/.586 in 29 at-bats for the Astros whereas enjoying second base, third base, shortstop and left discipline. He began at designated hitter in Games 3 and 5 of the World Series in Philadelphia and had a single in every recreation.
Hensley’s wonderful strike zone self-discipline helped get him to the massive leagues, alongside together with his means to play all 4 infield spots and left discipline.
“I’ve been doing the utility thing for a long time with these guys and got an opportunity to play last year and did well,” he stated. “I hope I can keep it rolling [and] ultimately try to fill that role [this] year.”
The Astros didn’t convey again veteran utility man Aledmys Díaz, who signed with Oakland, and have all however closed the door on longtime first baseman Yuli Gurriel returning as a utility choice off the bench. Gurriel’s beginning spot at first base was taken by José Abreu, who signed a three-year deal in December.
With the beginning 9 place gamers and designated hitter seemingly set heading into camp, the Astros should resolve who would be the backup catcher between prospects Yanier Díaz and Korey Lee, the fourth outfielder (probably Jake Meyers) after which two remaining roster spots for a fifth infielder/utility participant. If Mauricio Dubón will get a spot, that leaves one roster opening for Hensley or Bligh Madris, a left-handed hitter who got here to the Astros in a commerce with the Tigers earlier this month. He can play first base and proper discipline.
“I’m still working hard,” Hensley stated. “I know I’ve got to make the team still and ultimately just play my game — take my opportunities as they’re given and see where I end up after camp.”
Much of Hensley’s focus in his offseason work has been on bettering his recreation plan and attempting to raised perceive his opponents and the way pitchers will attempt to get him out.
“It’s a whole different level of ballgame up here,” he stated. “What I realized probably the most is how a lot these guys pre-plan and the way a lot they perceive their opponents and what’s going to occur. Ultimately, on the offensive facet, the pitchers and understanding who’s throwing and what it’s going to appear like and making ready every day for that.
“That’s something that I didn’t really have too much focus on in the Minor Leagues, but it definitely started to help towards the end of the season, and I certainly learned from the older guys and see the ways they go about their business.”
More than something, Hensley realized final yr that alternatives abound when you’re ready. And goals can come true.
“It just so happened an opportunity opened up, and I was there to fill it,” he stated.
