Uncover the Astros' struggle for productivity at the bottom of their lineup. Can anyone step up? Dive into the stats and prospects.
The #Astros have gotten virtually no production from several players since 7/1/24
Meyers 59 wRC+/ 156 PA
McCormick 27 / 83
Dubon 34 / 98
The front office is active in bringing in prospects who have struggled early too including
Dezenzo 41 / 33
Leon -32 / 21
Whitcomb has arrived in the last week too. It is too early to make statements about these prospects, but the Astros are desperately searching for production at the bottom of the lineup.
The question of the day is can anyone take charge of the bottom of the Astros lineup? How bad has it been lately?
The Astros since 7/1/24 are LAST in wRC+ from 7/ 8/ 9 in the order. I show the relative ranks of each position in the order. Overall, the batting order is fairly average, but the bottom of the order is abysmal.
Here is the distribution of PAs by spot in the order.
When I pulled this data, I was shocked to realize that Diaz was the player on the Astros who had the most PA since 7/1/24. That the primary catcher is in the lineup more than anyone else (yes, I know 47 of his PA have come as the DH) says a ton about how incredible Diaz has been.
What is clear in this chart is that the Astros have been trying virtually anyone not batting 1-6 in the 7-9 spots. No one really seems to be thriving at the bottom of the order.
The Astros have several players with nearly crippling platoon splits.
Singleton is basically unplayable vs. LHP
Dubon is basically unplayable vs. LHP
McCormick is basically unplayable vs. RHP
Cabbage will need to prove viability vs. RHP.
These are validated by their xwOBA numbers to indicate it is not just a luck issue.
Just today the Astros have decided to send Leon back down to AAA.
If I had to propose a lineup now vs. LHP it would model this:
I expect Dezenzo and Whitcomb will play a lot vs. LHP.
The red font indicates a xwOBA projected as 80% of their AAA xwOBA.
If I had to propose a lineup now vs. RHP it would model this:
Near term, I think Cabbage will the initial PT shot vs. LHP. Yes, I know the results have not shown up yet. I think they will want the LHH.
The Astros have a real challenge with the bottom of the order. I think they will deploy these types of options and adjust based on pitch type strength and weaknesses. There are no easy answers Astros fans.
I wrote earlier today about how Astros fans should understand who the current rookies are compared to the recent rookies they have seen.
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