So I was happy to hear Altuve could be back by the middle of May. Brantley late April, early May. McCullers, who knows.
I don’t think that’s going to happen. It looks like they will be using Blanco as a long man instead of a potential starter.
The Astros are seriously stacked. Pretty nuts to think that the lineup below will be trotted out at some point. No breaks. I think Diaz will be a good one in due time. Altuve Brantley Bregman Alvarez Abreu Tucker Pena McCormick Diaz
Looks like ground balls are the new ideal batted ball profile, seeing tons of hits this year that were gobbled up by the shift.
I completely misread this. Why would there be a clot shot on the score graphic? I knew it didn't make sense. Bad read is always my first best probability.
Eventually, I expect a tandem of Blanco and Martinez to be the 6th starter when the starters begin to go 6 or 7 innings. Alternatively, a minor leaguer off to a great start could fill the role.
Contact/not striking out. But pitchers who induce tons of ground balls likely to still be sought after.
If Pena is still batting north of .300 by the time Brantley gets back, no way Dusty is stupid enough (fingers crossed) to move him down to 7th in the lineup. That's where Brantley needs to find himself. Altuve Pena Alvarez Bregman Abreu Tucker Brantley McCormick Diaz/Maldonado