The Astros placed Chas McCormick on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 28, before tonight’s matchup with the Guardians. The outfielder is dealing with right hamstring discomfort. Infielder Jacob Amaya was recalled in his place, while the Astros also brought up Trey Cabbage (a move first reported by Ari Alexander of KPRC 2) to take the spot vacated when they optioned José Abreu last night.
McCormick had a tough first month of the season. The typically steady left fielder is out to a .236/.325/.278 slash through 83 plate appearances. He still has yet to hit a home run after connecting on a career-high 22 longballs a season ago. McCormick had been an above-average hitter in each of his first three campaigns. Last year’s .273/.353/.489 line was the best work of his career.
His effort to get on track will be put on pause by the hamstring issue, although there’s nothing to suggest he’s facing a long-term absence. Joey Loperfido has gotten the nod in left field for the past two nights. The rookie could be in line for regular playing time on the grass after hitting 13 homers in 25 games for Triple-A Sugar Land. Loperfido could also pick up first base reps as the Astros rotate through options to replace Abreu. Jon Singleton has gotten the nod at that position in each of the last two games.
McCormick and utility infielder Grae Kessinger are Houston’s only position players on the IL. They haven’t been nearly as fortunate on the pitching side. Most of their rotation has spent time on the injured list at some point. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are still a ways away in their rehabs from arm surgeries, while José Urquidy and Cristian Javier are on the 15-day IL.
Houston released encouraging updates on the latter two right-handers this afternoon. Manager Joe Espada told reporters (including The Athletic’s Chandler Rome) that the Astros might reinstate Javier to start Sunday’s matchup with the Mariners. Javier has been out since April 18 with neck discomfort, so he could make it back not long after the 15-day minimum if things go well in the next few days.
Urquidy has been battling a longer-term ailment. He reported elbow pain in Spring Training and was eventually diagnosed with a forearm strain. Urquidy has been on the IL for the entire season but could be nearing a rehab stint. Espada indicated that the 29-year-old threw 30 pitches in a live batting practice session today (X link via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com). If Urquidy gets through one more session without issue, he could report to a minor league affiliate to build into game shape.
In a rare Astros pitching development not related to injury, Espada tabbed star closer Josh Hader for a two-inning stint in yesterday’s extra-inning win over the Guards. The Astros called on Hader to keep the game tied in the top of the ninth. When both teams failed to score, they sent him back out for the tenth. He allowed the automatic runner to score but got credited for the win when Victor Caratini popped a two-out walk-off homer in the bottom half.
That was not just Hader’s first multi-inning appearance of the season. It was the first time he’d worked more than one inning in a regular season game since 2020; he hadn’t completed two full innings since 2019 when he was a member of the Brewers. As he became more established, Hader had been vocal about not wanting to work more than one inning.
The five-time All-Star indicated that’s no longer the case now that he has secured a five-year, $95MM free agent contract. Hader told the Houston beat that his expectation for 2024 is “to be available for multiple innings” (link via The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara). The southpaw contrasted that to the past few seasons when he was going through the arbitration system and didn’t have long-term financial security. Those comments may not sit well with the Milwaukee or San Diego fanbases, but it’s a nice boost for the Astros.
Hader has had some uncharacteristic struggles in his first month in Houston. He has allowed 10 runs (nine earned) through his first 12 2/3 innings. Hader has recorded 21 strikeouts behind a huge 16% swinging strike rate, though, so he should find more consistency as the season goes along. The back of the bullpen has been a surprising disappointment thus far. Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly have also scuffled, contributing to Houston’s 10-19 start.
You can’t have their summer sausage
McCormick does seem to perform better when he is challenged for playing time. Adding Cabbage & Loperfido should be a motivator
Stros remind me of Baltimore in 2017. Were ok in 2016 but we’re losing the luster they had over that run of five years from 12 to 16. Culprit? getting older with bloated payroll. And then the owner, Peter Angelos, added fuel to the dumpster fire by signing an injured Alex Cobb. Result: losing season in 17 then disaster in 2018.
Crane reminds me of Angelos. Can’t see the “forest for the trees”. You guys had an unbelievable 10 year or so run. All good things eventually come to an end. Time for a rebuild. IMO, instead of adding payroll during this past off season, should of been unloading it. Also, Crane like Angelos, seems to be pretty involved with the daily operation these days. Suggest finding another Luhnow (sp?) and getting out of the way
He want that way until it cost him $5 million. He is nothing like Angelos. Has he made some mistake, sure, but their start is not due to an owner. It has been injuries and lack of timely hitting.
Point taken jjd002. In hindsight, bad comparison on my part between Angelos and Crane. One too many cups of coffee for me this morning. LOL
The Astros are still in a great place. They have a ton of youth on the roster. If they are still out at the Deadline, then sell a few pieces for the farm. Altuve, Yordan, and most of the young pitchers will be around for at least 5 more years and that will keep them relevant.
I wouldn’t count the Astros out they have too much talent like the Yankees that will get hot and score and pitch very well with the warmer months to come. Astros always find a way to sneak into the playoffs if it wasn’t for the 2020 season they would’ve missed the playoffs that year.
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