Can Houston Astros Afford to Continue Riding Out Brantley's 'Plateau' in Recovery?

The Houston Astros veteran outfielder has hit a plateau in his rehab, but can a case be made that the team has what it needs once Yordan Alvarez returns?

When Houston Astros pitcher José Urquidy throws his batting practice session on Tuesday, it won’t be to outfielder Michael Brantley.

In fact, Brantley’s injury rehab has reached a “plateau,” in the words of Astros manager Dusty Baker.

Now, he's shut down from baseball activities for the time being, Baker said on Wednesday.

“He's plateaued somewhat,” Baker told the Astros media on Monday. “We want to increase it, but then we don't want to have to go backwards either. I'd rather have it plateau for a while then increase it.”

Brantley is working his way back from shoulder surgery, which ended his 2022 season while the Astros made their way to a World Series title. The Astros re-signed Brantley in the offseason, knowing that he would need time to work his way back.

And he has been doing rehab work lately. This weekend Brantley, along with Yordan Alvarez, were hitting in the indoor cages at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

But now he’s “plateauing,” in Baker’s words. No elaboration on what “plateauing” means, by the way. 

Now, the Astros may have to start grappling with the possibility that he will be of less help to them than they hoped this season.

It also begs the question — do the Astros have enough coverage in the outfield without Brantley?

Once Alvarez returns, the Astros just might.

Kyle Tucker is having a tremendous season, batting close to .300 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI. Chas McCormick is growing into a productive player, batting close to .270 with eight home runs and 26 RBI. Jake Meyers doesn’t have a great average right now, but he does have some power (six home runs, 22 RBI). Plus, Corey Julks is hitting well in his first MLB season (.262, six home runs, 27 RBI).

With Alvarez back in the lineup — which could come after the All-Star Break — Meyers and Julks would give the Astros the rotational depth they need to make it work.

With those five outfielders, the Astros could allow Brantley the time he needs to break this “plateau.” And, if he can’t, the Astros may already have the outfield it needs.

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