The Houston Astros have announced that first baseman José Abreu has been placed on the injured list due to lumbar spine inflammation. This is a significant blow to the team, as Abreu has been struggling with his performance this season. In addition, reliever Phil Maton has also been placed on the IL with a right elbow contusion. Here’s what you need to know about these injuries and how the Astros will adjust without Abreu and Maton.
Backstory
José Abreu, who is in the first season of a three-year, $58.5 million contract, has been one of the least productive players in baseball. He has been dealing with back issues throughout the season but has not used it as an excuse for his poor performance. His .634 OPS is one of the lowest among qualified hitters in the league. Abreu acknowledged that he felt the back pain at the beginning of the season and again before the All-Star break, but it kept getting worse. He alerted the team’s training staff to his injury on Wednesday night in Baltimore. Manager Dusty Baker mentioned that he could tell Abreu had been bothered by his back since the All-Star break.
How the Astros adjust without Abreu
Abreu’s absence will give Jon Singleton and Yainer Diaz more playing time at first base. Singleton, who was once the Astros’ top prospect, has had a tumultuous career due to drug addiction and suspensions. However, he showed promise in Friday night’s game against the Angels by hitting two home runs. Hensley, Mauricio Dubón, and Grae Kessinger are also options at first base, according to Baker.
How the Astros adjust without Maton
Phil Maton has struggled in his recent outings, walking 12 batters and allowing 10 earned runs in his past 12 2/3 innings. Despite his struggles, Maton had been an important member of the Astros’ bullpen. With his absence, Kendall Graveman, Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and closer Ryan Pressly will be relied upon more heavily.
It is unclear how long Maton will be out, as further imaging is required to assess the extent of his injury. The Astros acquired Graveman at the trade deadline, which lessened Maton’s importance to some extent. However, he is still a crucial member of the bullpen.
In conclusion, the Houston Astros have suffered significant blows with the injuries to José Abreu and Phil Maton. Abreu’s absence will give other players like Jon Singleton and Yainer Diaz a chance to step up at first base. Maton’s injury will require the remaining bullpen members to take on more responsibility. The Astros will need to find ways to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of success in the MLB.