Ben Gamel has sustained a left fibula fracture, the Astros announced. Houston placed the outfielder on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to September 15, and recalled catcher César Salazar.
Houston didn’t provide a return timetable for Gamel, but it’s hard to envision him playing again this season. The outfielder suffered the injury in Saturday’s win over the Angels. He ran hard into the right field wall while tracking down a Mickey Moniak fly ball. Gamel stayed in the game for another inning before being lifted for pinch-hitter Jason Heyward.
He’s the second Houston outfielder lost to a broken bone within the past week. Chas McCormick went on the IL with a break in his right hand on Thursday. That leaves the Astros with an outfield comprising Kyle Tucker, Jake Meyers, Heyward, utilityman Mauricio Dubón and DH/left fielder Yordan Alvarez. Skipper Joe Espada is going with Tucker, Dubón and Heyward with Alvarez at designated hitter for tonight’s game in San Diego.
Gamel has been a productive platoon bat for the Astros. Houston grabbed him off waivers from the Mets at the end of August. He has appeared in 20 games, hitting .259/.377/.362 with a homer across 69 plate appearances. He had a good chance to crack Houston’s playoff roster (assuming they maintain their four-game lead on the Mariners in the AL West), particularly if McCormick’s injury were to linger into October.
The lefty-hitting Gamel will be a free agent this offseason. He’ll probably be limited to minor league offers but was hitting well enough in a small sample to have a shot at a guaranteed contract. That’d be a harder sell if this injury carries into the offseason.
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Dancing tonight on TV and posting here! Way to
to go Carl.
Thank you very much. This Chicago police officer appreciates the kind words. <3
That is quite a change with injury from a knee contusion. But would have loved to try and retain him for the off season. We may need outfield next season. Tucker is in question. Chas and Meyers. Can’t have those two being what were the last 3 years. Up and down with hitting and more. This season Chas was horrible. Only just pitcked it up in Cincy just before sent down for a day then when he came back. Till he got hurt. Meyers has been out not sure if his ankle on same night Gamel got hurt.
But outfield for next season for Astros if Tucker remains for next season, and CF/LF questionable. Meyers was good first few months then has been bad the second half. Maybe a little more. We need someone steady for the outielf. Dubon is a utility player they are not full time. But injuries and more have thrust him into much more last 2 years. Altuve a lot of last season. The outfield this season.
We may need corner infield both first/third this next season and even rotation as well.
No guarantee they keep Bregman. First whether they stick with Singleton for next season at least and try after. Not sure Houston has a chance at Alonso. Or even Guerrero Jr. and with money owe Abreu.
Rotation for sure Brown, Framber. As for the rest Verlander??? Javier will be out first half of next season. Urquidy/France non tender. Doubt willl be back. McCullers the money left on his contract not sure where he will be. Garcia as well. Blanco and Spencer unsure of. Plus will Blubaugh crack the rotation.
Bullpen for sure Hader as for the rest not sure who will still be on contract of Abreu, Pressly, Ort, Scott, I think Neris is gone again. Does Montero remain in minors or will he be with big team next season as he is on 40 man still I do believe.
Even with manager and coaching staff what happens there.
But again since article on Gamel just my thoughts and prayers and more and also hope for next season to come.
Regarding Verlander, is it love of money or love for the game? If he intends to play til 45 as he’s stated, does he stay in Houston for an incentive laden contract and low salary, does he return to Detroit, or bolt for the biggest paycheck? Based on his results since return from IL, retirement seems more possible than ever though