I would add a 3rd option. He will be back but, because of the long layoff, will probably not be very effective.
Abreu is hurt - and supposedly has been since the last week of Spring training. Neither one has exactly set the world on fire.
There is zero chance of me counting on Brantley after not playing in the big leagues in over a year - he is capable of sleeping wrong and being out for a month. Having said that - if there was ever a no fuss swing that could contribute after missing a year - it’s Brantley - and he also potentially makes a huge difference in a Houston line up if he is hitting well. I don’t see him play 1st - he would likely almost strictly DH and Yanier Diaz can play 1st until Abreu is ready to come back. If Abreu’s back is settled down - then he is worth a look at first. Imagine: Altuve Brantley Bregman Alvarez Tucker McCormick Diaz Pena Maldonado When Diaz catches: Altuve Brantley Bregman Alvarez Tucker McCormick Diaz Abreu Pena
Sure, it’s great in theory. But haven’t you and others said Baker does not view Diaz as a 1B? So in reality won’t it be Diaz losing DH at-bats, or Chas losing LF … both negative outcomes even vs Brantley of last year?
Oh I know we'd be complaining either way, but not would one cost a whole lot less. I do hope Abreu gets healthy and his recent struggles were mostly because of his back. He had really turned the corner, until the last week or so before he went on the DL.
Bregman does belong in the bottom half of the lineup vs LHSP, especially with how good guys like Pena and Meyers are vs them. But vs RHSP he absolutely belongs 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.
