The Astros are going to select the contract of outfielder Bligh Madris, reports Chandler Rome of The Athletic (Twitter links). Madris will take the active roster spot of catcher César Salazar, who has been optioned to Triple-A. Madris isn’t currently on the 40-man roster so a corresponding move will be required, but the club is off today so that may not come until tomorrow.
Madris, 27, came to the Astros from the Tigers via a cash deal this offseason. He didn’t make the club out of Spring Training and was designated for assignment, clearing waivers shortly thereafter. He’s been in Triple-A for all of this year so far, getting 281 plate appearances in 60 games. He’s struck out in 25.3% of those but walked at a 15.3% clip and hit 10 home runs. His .249/.363/.446 batting line looks strong at first glance but actually amounts to a wRC+ of 93 in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. But he’s also stolen 10 bases while playing first base and the outfield corners.
The fact that Madris can play first base could be why he’s getting the call today. The Astros have gotten dismal production from the position this year thanks to the immense struggles of José Abreu. Signed to a three-year, $58.5MM deal in the offseason, the veteran is hitting just .225/.279/.308 so far this year. That production is 37% worse than the league average hitter, as evidenced by his wRC+ of 63. That’s the lowest figure among all qualified hitters in the league this year.
Needless to say, the Astros were hoping for much more when they gave Abreu that hefty contract, but now they are scrambling for backup plans. Yesterday, Abreu got a day off while utility player Mauricio Dubón was put at the cold corner for the first time in his professional career. Perhaps the recall of Madris will lead to him getting a chance to get some playing time at the position instead. The fact that he’s a left-handed hitter could also give a bit more balance to a roster where Kyle Tucker is currently the only player who hits lefty.
Prior to joining the Astros, Madris made his major league debut with the Pirates last year but hit just .177/.244/.265. He got squeezed off Pittsburgh’s roster in September but continued to get interest from other clubs around the league. He was claimed off waivers by the Rays and Tigers before coming to Houston in the aforementioned cash deal.
As for the 40-man move, that should be too challenging for the Astros. Michael Brantley has already been on the injured list all year, so he can be transferred to the 60-day IL and still be eligible to be reinstated whenever he’s ready.
Rumble Mavs!! Let’s go Bligh.
Alec Burleson is young, cheap, hits left-handed, and plays first base. All the Astros would have to do to get him is take Willson Contreras as well.
Will be DFA in about 20hrs
They should give Yanier Diaz some reps at first base so they can keep him in the lineup when Yordan Alvarez returns from the IL.
On the surface this move makes no sense.
Then you see Madris’ .929 OPS, 20.9% K rate and 16.3% BB rate in AAA vs RHP.
Only Alex Bregman and Yainer Diaz are better vs RHP and above MLB avg.
Even the lefty bats Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker are better vs LHP
This makes no sense. Madris is not going to help. Bagwell talked Crane into Abreu. Granted has not produced with Houston. He picked up a little there but does not look like sticking. Gone back again. Yes we need someone with true first base skills. Dubon is not first base even though tried in this one game. He is more SS or 2nd for infield. Yes can play LF and CF. But we need someone at the deadline. If Abreu they do not use after this season or will they hope he busts loose next season.Dusty needs to go. Maldy needs to go. His contract is up. Diaz needs to be catcher.
Wow that was a whole lot of nonsense
Brantley is now swinging a bat, throwing, and should see a rehab assignment shortly. I think someone else will be DFA’d to accommodate Madris. Not a big fan of this move or the lack of moves by Dana Brown, our new GM. All talk, very little to show for it.
Can Brantley play 1B?
He has played very sparingly at first base quite a few years ago. He did take reps in spring training and also during his rehab assignment earlier this season. I don’t think he or the club would feel comfortable putting him at 1B right now
Abreu, Montero and Brantley are all Jim Crane signings, not Dana Brown’s fault at all.
Abreu might have one more month to turn it around before Dana gets the green light to trade for an upgrade, but they’re paying Abreu too much for too long to cut him loose now.
I don’t see too much offense in the system that’s going to help, either by promotion or trade, so Houston might be stuck with what they have. Crane really needs to let Dana do his job, but he’s looking like Drayton McLane 2.0. Not good.
Agree the moves are not Dana Brown’s fault. He made a lot of noise on signing guys like Tucker and Valdez long term but nothing has happened. The roster moves in and out of AAA this season as well as roster construction ( carrying a third catcher who didn’t play) leaves a lot to be desired. He seems to be playing 2nd fiddle to Dusty who plays his favorites to a fault.