Hunter Brown is very close to returning to the Houston Astros rotation and Cristian Javier is not super far behind. Additionally, Yainer Diaz, out since the beginning of May with an oblique strain, is starting his rehab assignment this week.
Still struggling to get back to .500, this is an Astros team that needs every healthy body they can get. Even Joey Loperfido returned on Tuesday to maybe help an outfield struggling at the plate.
The returns of these players will certainly help fill some holes — recently acquired outfielder LaMonte Wade, Jr. and utility infielder Nick Allen became the latest additions to the IL with hamstring injuries — there will also be some decisions to make, particularly in the starting rotation.
When Brown returns, the Astros could expand to a six-man rotation with Brown, Spencer Arrighetti, Tasuya Imai, Peter Lambert, Kai-Wei Tang and Mike Burrows. That would keep Imai on a longer rest, which seems to suit him.
But, that leaves a mightily struggling Burrows in the lineup. Because he has options remaining, the Astros could (and probably should) move Burrows to Triple A Sugar Land to allow him time to work on his game when Brown is activated. When Javier gets back, they could go to a six-man rotation or make a decision on Tang, who was hit around in Anaheim on Tuesday and could go back to the bullpen.
The good news is that the Astros do have some ways to make it work, at least in the rotation, especially since the bullpen has begun to stabilize with the return of closer Josh Hader.
In the lineup, there are other issues. Cam Smith is still struggling to hit as is Brice Matthews. Both might benefit from some time in the minors, particularly Matthews. But the options in the outfield, while more plentiful thanks to Loperfido’s return, aren’t exactly optimal.
It leaves them with a very questionable bottom of the order. Diaz isn’t tearing the cover off the ball, but he does provide an alternative to Christian Vasquez, who has been tremendous as a late spring acquisition. But, you want at least two solid catchers to rotate and Diaz is still their best option even with his struggles.
Now, will all of these returning players contribute to more wins? That’s the question. For nearly the entire season, poor health has been on of the numerous reasons the Astros have struggled. Not the only reason, of course, but an important one.
Before long, they’ll be relatively healthy and if they don’t start stringing together series wins, the questions surrounding why will grow much louder.
