The Astros will place outfielder George Springer on the 10-day disabled list due to a left thumb sprain, with MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart (Twitter link) and others reporting the news. Derek Fisher will be called up to take Springer’s spot on the 25-man roster, as The Athletic’s Robert Murray tweeted earlier today.
Springer suffered the injury yesterday, when his thumb was clipped by the glove of Dodgers shortstop Chris Taylor while Springer was attempting to steal second base. X-rays taken yesterday on Springer’s thumb were negative, and he is only expected to miss around two weeks, as he avoided a more serious UCL sprain.
[Updated Astros depth chart at Roster Resource]
Still, even two weeks without the star outfielder is an issue for an Astros team that is suddenly missing several of its most notable names due to injury. Springer joins Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Chris Devenski, Lance McCullers Jr. and Brian McCann on the disabled list, with only Correa potentially close to a return. Houston’s lead over the streaking Athletics in the AL West has shrunk to just four games, so the Astros could find themselves as active players in the August trade market to bolster themselves down the stretch. Outfield depth could be of particular concern, as some combination of Fisher, Tony Kemp, and Jake Marisnick will be handling center field and mostly left field duties for the time being. Utilityman Marwin Gonzalez could also see some action in left field (though he has been filling in for Altuve at second base), while Josh Reddick will hold the fort in right field.
Springer has 19 homers and a .250/.335/.436 slash line over 485 PA this season. While still solid numbers, they represent the lowest wRC+ (115) over Springer’s five-year career, and a marked step down from his .889 OPS in 2017. He was off to a strong start to the year before hitting a prolonged slump in mid-June, as Springer has hit just .175/.281/.312 over his last 180 plate appearances. Some bad luck has been involved, as Springer’s .353 xwOBA is notably higher than his .331 wOBA.
Lucky break for the Astros, this could have been so much worse.
On the slow mo replay it looked a lot worse than a sprained thumb ligament. By Springer’s reaction I thought he possibly tore or broke something.
A’s hunt for the playoffs…
Correa will probably miss only the SF series and be back Thursday. The OF will consist of Kemp-Marisnick-Reddick. Some combination of Davis-Bregman-Gonzalez-Gurriel-White will make up the IF until Carlos returns.
I would love to pick up Nicholas Castellanos to plug in at LF. I know his defense would probably be sub par there but he would be a nice addition to the lineup and probably wouldn’t be too expensive.
Kyle Tucker would get it done.
Castellanos does have 2 1/2 years of control left.
Seriously, despite the Verlander trade, the Tigers do not exist to supply the Astros with players.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. The Astros seemed like a gift shop for the Phillies during our rebuild.
We already know Tucker and Whitley are untouchable. Alvarez probably won’t be dealt either. I know the Tigers don’t have to trade him and he’s only gotten better with the bat, but he is a bat only guy that doesn’t walk much.
I for one love AJ Reed and think a change of scenery would bring him back to his elite prospect level. Reed plus another low level high upside guy like JJ Matijevic might be fair. That’s just off the top of my head, so it might sound like a low ball offer.
I’d rather the Tigers trade for SP Josh James. There’s been opportunity for Derek Fisher, Kyle Tucker, JD Davis, and Tyler White. I don’t see the future star in them so far, certainly not over Nicholas Castellanos at this time.
He’s not a rental but would also fit in Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia or Cleveland.
You’re seriously throwing Kyle Tucker in there with Tyler White? Tucker turned 21 this year and has appeared in 16 big league games. People are spoiled these days with the Sotos and Torres’ of the world.
Astros have more surplus talent than positions available. Some of these “blue chippers” will be playing elsewhere, but in return, the Astros should get good veterans in return. Astros will be playoff contenders for years to come.