First Base Still Major Question Mark For Houston Astros

The first base position continues to be a major concern for the Houston Astros during the final stretch of the season.

First base hasn't been a position the Houston Astros have had to think about in a long time. They had Yuli Gurriel there who was rock solid on defense and contributed on offense.

They decided to let him walk in free agency ahead of the 2023 season and signed former Chicago White Sox slugger Jose Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract instead.

The signing hasn't worked out like the Astros thought it would so far with Abreu currently on the injured list with an injured back and no timetable for return.

Even when healthy, the first baseman was not performing. He's posted a career low slash line of .234/.291/.343 with 10 home runs and 56 RB through 110 games played.

His injury forced Houston to call up one of their former top prospects Jon Singleton. Despite the highlight of Singleton hitting two home runs in the same game, it's been a struggle for him.

He's hitting .121/.293/.303 since being recalled on August 8, but only has one hit in his last 21 at-bats.

Rookie catcher Yainer Diaz is producing at the plate, forcing manager Dusty Baker to get him in the game as much as possible. With everyday catcher Martin Maldonado still the best defensive option, they've tried using Diaz at first base.

It remains a work in progress for him at first.

He told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, "I know it was one of those things I don’t feel 100 percent comfortable there, but with a couple of more games I think I’ll get the hang of it."

Diaz will likely get more opportunities to show he can be an option in the field. Despite Baker saying that Singleton is the better defensive option, the rookie's bat forces him into the lineup.

When Abreu comes back from his injury, it will only make the position even murkier than it already is. Singleton likely gets optioned down to the minors with Diaz and Abreu competing for the starting reps.

The questions at first base highlight some of the unknowns surrounding this Astros team as they try to defend their World Series title.