The Houston Astros are bringing back a familiar face, but he will have to work his way up to the majors.
The team has signed Aledmys Diaz to a minor league contract, according to Brian McTaggart. Diaz played for the Astros from 2019 until 2022. While Diaz is a natural infielder, he has also played in the corner outfield positions during his career.
The Cuban joined Houston prior to the 2019 season, following a stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. He batted.255 in three seasons with the Astros, playing an important role off the bench as the team won the World Series in 22′.
Following that, Diaz signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics and became a more consistent starter in the Bay Area, but things did not go as planned. In 109 games in 2023, Diaz batted.229 with four home runs and 24 RBI.
Oakland was undoubtedly expecting the 33-year-old would rebound this season, but he ended up missing the first two months of the season due to injury. When Diaz returned, he was hitting only.103 in 12 games. As a result, the Oakland Athletics released him last week.
A new beginning in a familiar setting could be beneficial for Diaz. While there is no assurance he will return to the Astros quickly, the team is aware of Diaz’s abilities. Houston has a few other bench players who are likely to be higher on the depth chart, but Diaz still has a chance to establish himself and get another opportunity in the Majors. He was an All-Star for the St. Louis Cardinals during his rookie season in 2016.
Astros find their way.
The Astros, who have been regulars in the ALCS and World Series for many years, have had a disappointing season. However, Joe Espada’s team has been figuring things out lately, winning four straight games and going 7-3 in their previous ten.
Houston is currently 50-44, enough for second place in the American League West. They’re close on the heels of the Seattle Mariners heading into the All-Star break. The Astros are also on fire at Minute Maid Park, having won ten straight games at home.
This team’s offence has been its evident strength, placing among the top five in hits, average, OBP, and slugging. They also rank sixth in terms of runs scored. Jose Altuve leads the way with a.305 average and 14 home runs, and Yordan Alvarez is also hitting.300. The slugger has also hit 19 long balls and 21 doubles.
The Astros haven’t been particularly consistent on the hill, and Justin Verlander’s neck ailment isn’t helping matters. There is no schedule for the three-time Cy Young winner’s return. He’s been ruled out during the break. Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in ten starts in 24 innings.
The Astros will conclude a three-game series with the Rangers on Sunday, prior to the All-Star festivities. The second half will begin with a huge series against the Mariners next Friday at home. This could be an opportunity for Houston to take first place in the division.
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