Inside the Astros

Where Does Dubón Fit with Houston Astros Following Altuve Return?

Houston Astros activated second baseman Jose Altuve for the weekend series against the Oakland Athletics but the question now is does Mauricio Dubón have a role?

Regina Ham

Where Does Dubón Fit with Houston Astros Following Altuve Return?
Where Does Dubón Fit with Houston Astros Following Altuve Return? /
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It's good news for the Houston Astros that second baseman Jose Altuve is making his return to the lineup. The team is currently sitting with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .689. Houston is at 26 out of 30 teams in that category. 

While the sight of Altuve at Minute Maid Park will be something to celebrate, one player on the roster might not be so happy. 

Shortstop Mauricio Dubón has emerged as one of the silver linings in an otherwise middling 45-game start to the 2023 season. He spent time with the San Francisco Giants as a utility player before joining the Astros for the 2022 season. 

He took the second base spot and in Altuve's absence, held a .309 batting average in his first 156 plate appearances. Dubón also held a team-best 1.3 Wins Above Replacement. 

However, now with Altuve back in his normal role, manager Dusty Baker has some decisions to make about the future role of Dubón. 

Going back to being a utility man is likely the path Dubón is going to take in the coming months. He can play shortstop, second base, and all three positions in the outfield. Versatility is his best trait and one that Houston desperately needs. 

This does not come without a price: Dubón will see his at-bats significantly trimmed back. But do not be surprised if Baker puts him in there once or twice a week. He's slashing .309/.333/.389 with no homers and eight RBI. 

Dubón has the team-leading batting average with a club-high 46 hits. Technically, the most valuable player of the reigning World Series champions. He's the most consistent right-handed hitter on the squad. 

He's a good pinch hitter in the game, something Baker likely will see fit to use him for in later scenarios. Dubón can be counted on always putting the ball in play. His allure of him is his ability to have an above-average defense at centerfield and shortstop. Dubón also made five starts at third base in his career but it's not where he's most needed.

Could he see some time as a designated hitter? Sure. No matter where he's used, Dubón is not trying to usurp Altuve. It's just good to know if something happens, the Astros are in good gloves (or hands) with Dubón.

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Regina Ham
REGINA HAM

Regina Ham is an editor and writer for Inside the Astros. As an alumna of the University of Maryland-College Park, she studied both broadcast and multimedia journalism. A six-year veteran of the sports industry, she's worked in radio, television, and online media. You can follow her on Twitter @regina_ham or Instagram @reginamariesports. Upon her undergraduate education, Regina went to work in 2016 for Sirius XM-Satellite Radio on College Sports Nation/ESPNU for two years. During her time in school, Regina interned at a variety of Washington, D.C.-area media organizations, including NBC Sports Washington and WTOP. There she assisted in coverage of local MLB and NHL teams. She also interned down at WAAY 31 in Huntsville, AL and worked on stories regarding the local Minor League Baseball affiliate and SEC football. Regina worked in international sports television for almost four years, covering sports from MLS to the KHL and the KBO. She joined Philly Sports Network in 2022 and covers both the Phillies and Philadelphia Flyers before joining the Sports Illustrated network in 2023. You can follow her on Twitter @Regina_ham or on Instagram @reginamariesports. If you have any questions or comments, she can be reached at regina.ham28@gmail.com.

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