The Houston Astros currently hold a 22-28 record. The American League West has been a mediocre division at best in 2024, so Houston is still in third place and just five games behind the first-place Seattle Mariners.
Still, it has been a disappointing campaign for a ballclub that has found no shortage of success over the past few years. The struggles of first baseman Jose Abreu, who is currently not with the big-league team, have impacted the Astros as well.
Houston optioned Abreu just over a month into the regular season. Instead of going straight to the higher levels of the minor leagues, Abreu reported to the team's spring training facility where he has been working to get back on track.
According to MLB.com, Abreu is expected to join the Astros' Triple-A team as he works his way back following an abysmal start to the 2024 season.
There is a chance that Abreu could return to the Astros soon. Houston will keep a close eye on Abreu's performance at Triple-A. It will be more than simply checking the statistics after the game. The Astros will review videos of Abreu's swing and performance on defense to see how he looks.
Recording impressive stats would not hurt Jose Abreu's case to earn a big-league promotion, however.
Jose Abreu hoping for another opportunity with Astros
Abreu signed with Houston ahead of the 2023 season. He endured a difficult start to the campaign and never found tremendous results with the Astros. His numbers to end the season were not great by any means, but Abreu still had some decent moments in 2023. Overall, he slashed .237/.296/.383 and added 18 home runs and 19 RBIs.
Abreu is a former MVP and two-time All-Star. His 2023 season did not meet his expectations. Still, he offered enough production to give the Astros optimism for the 2024 campaign.
In 2024, though, the 37-year-old slashed .099/.156/.113 across his first 22 games. Abreu also failed to hit a home run and drove in just three runs. In fact, Abreu had more strikeouts (18) than hits (7) to begin the season.
The Astros are not giving up on Abreu. They still believe that he has more positive big-league moments ahead of him.
At 37 years old, one has to wonder if his struggles are simply a product of decline. Either way, perhaps this break from MLB pitching will help him find his footing once again.
In the end, Abreu is far too talented of a baseball player to hit .099. He is going to improve upon that statistic once he returns to Houston.
At the moment, Abreu is focused on performing well at the Triple-A level. If he is able to find success, the Astros would love for Abreu to rejoin the team as soon as possible. Houston certainly needs all of the extra production they can get at the moment given their frustrations so far in 2024.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates on Jose Abreu and the Astros as they are made available.
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