A left hamstring strain forced Aledmys Diaz to be removed from the Astros’ lineup during the first inning of today’s game, and manager A.J. Hinch told reporters (including The Athletic’s Jake Kaplan) that the injury is likely to send Diaz to the 10-day injured list. Diaz missed three games last week due to hamstring soreness, and re-aggravated the injury while running the bases today.
Like pretty much everyone on the Astros’ roster this season, Diaz has been enjoying a good year at the plate, hitting .286/.321/.510 with five homers over 109 plate appearances. Houston acquired the 28-year-old utilityman in a trade with Toronto during the offseason, seeing Diaz as an alternative to departing free agent Marwin Gonzalez. Diaz has lived up to that versatile billing, starting at least two games at five different positions (all four infield slots and left field) this year. Much of Diaz’s recent action has come at second base, as he has been filling in for the injured Jose Altuve.
While it hasn’t yet affected their big lead in the AL West, the Astros have been bit by the injury bug over the last few weeks, with Altuve, George Springer, Collin McHugh, Max Stassi, and now Diaz all sidelined. The good news is that Altuve is expected back in a few days’ time, filling one major hole in the club’s lineup. Depending on how long Diaz is out of action, Yuli Gurriel could handle backup shortstop duties behind Carlos Correa, though Gurriel has only played two games at short in his four MLB seasons. Myles Straw is another consideration, as the outfielder has been seeing action at shortstop at Triple-A.
Straw has been playing in the infield at Round Rock.
Is there ANY position the Astros don’t have a replacement for?
No it’s actually to the point of being stupid…. I’m expecting a big prospect trade for probably a pitcher maybe a catcher/ first baseman.
The just called up Garrett Stubs, he is the catcher of the future
Why is Tyler White still on the roster?
He has no options and is hitting better than Kemp’s with corner outfield, and first/ third playing abilities. Also great pitcher he struck out one in one inning ♂️
Because he has a career 106+ OPS and he was a 33rd round draft pick. A feel good story. And it’s all about selling tickets baby!
Pictures. He has pictures…
Next man up!
Bregman would play SS long before Yuli.
The Houston scouting department should go to the HOF.
I’m hoping my Padres can follow the Astros lead in the near future.
They seem to be on the right track. I hope the Padres become a serious contender soon. Always been a fan of theirs since the 50 player trade (yes, that’s embellishing) between them and the Astros in the 90s.
Bregman is the backup shortstop. They were even moving Bregman there over Diaz.