As camp closes, Astros still have decisions to make
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros have been set to board a constitution flight to Houston following Sunday’s Grapefruit League finale towards the Cardinals, bringing an finish to the crew’s keep within the Sunshine State however not the controversy concerning the composition of the 26-man roster previous to Opening Day.
Much of the roster was set when the Astros arrived in Florida about six weeks in the past. But accidents to All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (fractured proper thumb), the lingering restoration of outfielder Michael Brantley after his proper shoulder surgical procedure and the uncertainty over slugger Yordan Alvarez’s readiness for Opening Day have clouded the roster considerably.
Astros supervisor Dusty Baker stated Friday the ultimate selections gained’t be made till later this week, maybe after the crew performs a pair of exhibition video games towards Triple-A Sugar Land — on Monday in Sugar Land and Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. Houston performs host to the White Sox on Thursday to open its protection of its World Series championship.
“These last few decisions are tough, so sometimes they decide for you,” Baker stated. “This is what you want. The way I look at it is you’re competing for a job. And if you can’t compete for a job where you are, how are you going to compete in September or in the playoffs? How are you going to handle that? That’s how I’ve always looked at it.”
Here’s a have a look at the remaining roster selections:
Backup catcher
Where it stands: Yainer Diaz, the crew’s No. 2-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, and Korey Lee (the membership’s No. 7 prospect) got here into camp battling for the backup spot behind veteran Martín Maldonado, and neither has separated himself. Lee wanted to have a very good spring on the plate and has executed that, however Diaz’s skill to play first base might give him the leg up (Lee additionally noticed time at first this spring, although).
There remains to be an opportunity each Diaz and Lee might make the Opening Day roster due to Brantley’s damage, with Diaz serving as a pinch-hit possibility late in video games and maybe enjoying some left. Lee is the superior defender, which is vital contemplating Houston’s emphasis on controlling the working recreation.
“I’ve seen flashes of brilliance and I’ve seen flashes of still being young and rookies that need more seasoning sometimes,” Baker stated. “Do we season them here, or do we season both of them here or is there enough playing time? Who needs to go back to [Triple-A] and play? … At least until we get Michael back, do we need some offense?”
Final position-player spots
Where it stands: The Astros will probably start the yr with Kyle Tucker, Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers and Alvarez as their outfielders, assuming Alvarez is prepared after not getting right into a Grapefruit League recreation till the ultimate week of camp. Maldonado, first baseman José Abreu, third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Jeremy Peña are the opposite roster locks, together with utility gamers David Hensley, Mauricio Dubón and both Diaz or Lee.
That’s 11 spots locked up, with two nonetheless up within the air from amongst outfielder Justin Dirden (non-roster), infielder Rylan Bannon, infielder/outfielder J.J. Matijevic, infielder Bligh Madris and a 3rd catcher (Lee or Diaz). Outfielder Corey Julks (non-roster) is within the dialog, however the gamers who’re on the 40-man roster would have the benefit — contemplating Brantley will return someday in April.
Of this group, Madris, Dirden and Matijevic are left-handed bats, which might fill a necessity off the bench. Madris and Matijevic are related in that they each play first base, with Madris having expertise at each nook outfield spots and Matijevic in left subject. Bannon has performed second fairly a bit this spring, which is vital contemplating Altuve’s damage.
“Me and [general manager] Dana [Brown] are kicking around, ‘Are we strong enough on the infield or do we need some more offense?’” Baker stated. “These final couple of spots are what’s taking so long because it really threw a wrench in our plans when Altuve went down.”
Final bullpen spots
Where it stands: The Astros’ resolution to possibility left-handed pitcher Matt Gage to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday meant the membership was going to hold eight right-handed aid pitchers. Six of these spots are set with Ryan Pressly, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, Rafael Montero, Bryan Abreu and Héctor Neris. The final two spots will come all the way down to both Ronel Blanco, Seth Martinez or Brandon Bielak. All three can throw a number of innings in aid.
