Three-time All-Star running out of time with Astros

It is painful to watch Houston Astros first baseman Jose Abreu right now.

He has not been the fearsome run producer he had been with the Chicago White Sox. Abreu struggled at the beginning of the season, dropping down to the eighth spot in the batting order. In a run-producing situation, he had even been pinch hit for by backup catcher Victor Caratini. Those moments were seemingly the low point of his 2024 season.

He may not have reached the bottom just yet — Abreu is starting to see less playing time as former top prospect Jon Singleton gets more chances at first base. Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle relayed a comment by Astros general manager Dana Brown, saying that the first baseman will be getting some time off. 

Brown acknowledged that the slump is wearing on him and the hitting coaches. He lauded Abreu for being a competitor and a gamer, but he mentioned the reality of the situation — that the team cannot continue down this path. Either Abreu starts to produce, or Houston will "mix and match" until they find an answer.

The Astros cannot afford to give him an extended amount of time to get going. Houston's 7-15 record heading into Sunday is the worst in the AL West and the fourth worst in the majors. Injuries to the pitching staff have been a factor, but the roster needs more production from first base. Abreu's .068/.138/.085 batting line in 65 plate appearances is not going to cut it.

He may not have much longer to get on track. Joey Loperfido has been learning first base at Triple-A and has been on fire offensively. He has produced a .274/.375/.726 batting line in his 88 plate appearances, belting ten homers. Loperfido has also spent time at all three outfield positions and second base, making getting his bat in the lineup easier. MLB.com named him the Astros prospect most likely to be called up to the major league roster. Houston needs a spark, and Loperfido may be able to provide one.