Astros Prepare for Isaac Paredes’ Return to the Lineup
The Houston Astros are buzzing with anticipation over the potential return of third baseman Isaac Paredes. Once facing a season-ending injury, Paredes now appears poised to make his comeback, bringing with him a wave of optimism from within the organization.
Injury Recovery Sparks Hope
General Manager Dana Brown recently spoke about Paredes’ progress during an appearance on MLB Radio’s Front Office Show, hosted by former MLB general manager Jim Bowden. According to Brown, Paredes is showing signs of improvement, having participated in workouts at the team’s spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. “He’s starting to heat up,” Brown noted, suggesting that Paredes could rejoin the Astros for their crucial series against the Seattle Mariners, which kicks off on Friday in Houston. Currently, Paredes is on the 60-day injured list due to a hamstring strain, but his recovery could soon allow him to contribute once again.
Navigating Lineup Changes Post-Injury
Since Paredes was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 20, the Astros’ lineup has undergone significant changes. The team traded for former franchise star Carlos Correa to fill the void at third base, and Correa has settled into the position without missing a beat. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez has returned from injury, boosting the Astros’ offensive capabilities.
In the event that Paredes is cleared to play this weekend, speculation around his role has already begun. Bowden suggests that Paredes could slot in as the designated hitter, with Alvarez taking left field and Jose Altuve moving back to second base. This arrangement would allow Paredes to ease back into action while still protecting his healing hamstring. Although Alvarez may not be the strongest defensive left fielder, the compact dimensions of Daikin Park reduce the burden on him. Moreover, Altuve’s return to second base represents a return to his comfort zone, reinforcing the infield’s stability.
Paredes’ Impact Before Injury
The decision to utilize Paredes as the DH speaks volumes about the team’s strategy moving forward, especially in light of Correa’s established presence at third base. Before his injury, Paredes was an integral part of the Astros’ offense, boasting an impressive .259/.359/.470 line alongside 19 home runs and 50 RBIs over 94 games, not to mention 15 doubles and a triple. Acquired in a December trade with the Chicago Cubs that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, Paredes quickly proved to be a valuable asset to the Astros’ lineup.
As the Astros prepare for their pivotal series against the Mariners, the potential return of Isaac Paredes adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season. All eyes will be on Houston to see if their secret weapon can ignite the offense as they make a push for the postseason.
