Pair of Houston Astros Leave Spring Training Game, Could Cause Roster Shake Up
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Spring has not been kind to the Houston Astros so far.
It started with Justin Verlander coming in a bit behind schedule and being placed on the injured list, causing him to miss Opening Day.
Then, there was another issue announced for their starting staff as Jose Urquidy finds himself on the IL as well.
Now, two more players might have picked up some injuries after leaving the Spring Training game on March 18 early according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
The first, and one that will garner headlines, is Yordan Alvarez left the game after two at-bats, something that Rome noted is "somewhat odd" based on when this is taking place on the calendar.
Normally, players are getting as many reps as possible to close out the exhibition period and prepare for the start of the season.
Alvarez talked about how he was entering spring healthy for the first time in a few years and the Astros were fully prepared for him to have a monster, MVP-type of performance.
This will certainly be a situation to continue monitoring.
The other injury that could have much more of an overall roster impact is that infielder Grae Kessinger was limping into the dugout after coming up lame rounding third base.
He was attended to by trainers before heading into the clubhouse for further evaluation.
It seemed like Kessinger might have earned a bench role during Spring Training, beating out the likes of Trey Cabbage and Joey Loperfido. But if this injury becomes serious, then that has roster implications.
After struggling throughout the spring with a 3-31 hitting performance, Cabbage was able to smoke a two-run homer during the same spring game all this occurred.
Since Jon Singleton looks like he has the other bench role next to Mauricio Dubon already locked down, it will be up to Houston to decide if they want another power bat in Cabbage or give the opportunity to rising prospect Loperfido who can play multiple roles.
Kessinger was likely the leader for the last spot because of his versatility.
Rome reports that Kessinger has been described as having "right hamstring discomfort," something to monitor as these types of injuries can carry on throughout the year.
