Are the Houston Astros Getting Ready to Bench Jose Abreu?

As Houston's biggest offseason signing continues to struggle at the plate, reliable Michael Brantley is working his way back from injury -- and is perhaps a realistic option at first base.

The Houston Astros may be looking at internal options which could cut into the playing time of Jose Abreu.

Abreu, signed to a three-year deal this offseason, has gotten off to a dreadfully slow start at the plate. The 36-year-old is hitting just .227, but more surprising, he has yet to hit a home run and has just 13 RBI, despite hitting in the middle of Houston's talented order most of the season.

This is the continuation of a power decline for Abreu, who won the MVP in the American League during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and then had a great 2021. But in 2022, he hit just 15 home runs, his lowest total by far in the majors. 

As Dusty Baker tries to figure out how to navigate the situation, maybe there's a realistic answer right now at Triple-A: Michael Brantley.

The longtime outfielder and excellent hitter is rehabbing back from shoulder surgery and has been working at first base, as video evidence proved on Friday night.

Michael Brantley with an unassisted putout to end the 8th inning tonight in Albuquerque. He's played 3 innings of first base tonight pic.twitter.com/o44evXBJSA

— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 6, 2023

Brantley is a five-time all-star and a silver slugger winner with a lifetime average of .298. He's hit 127 career home runs during a career with the Cleveland Guardians and Houston. When he debuts this season, it will be his 15th major league season.

Injuries have been an unfortunate part of Brantley's career, as he played just 90 games in 2017, 46 games in the pandemic season and 121 games a year ago before suffering the shoulder injury.

The Astros could use Brantley at designated hitter upon return but could also platoon him at first base to give Abreu some time off.

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