Astros Star Rookie Getting Start During Massive ALDS Game

The Houston Astros are on the road with the ALDS series tied at one game apiece.

The Division Series is something that the Astros have dominated in recent years, advancing the last six times they've been in this round.

Now, they have to get at least one victory away from home to extend the series against the Minnesota Twins and their former franchise star, Carlos Correa.

To do this, it appears that manager Dusty Baker will be turning to Houston's star rookie Yainer Diaz in the starting lineup.

Veteran slugger Michael Brantley had gotten the starting nod in left field during Game 1 and at designated hitter in Game 2.

Diaz will slide into the DH role for Game 3 as the Astros are staring down a must win game on Tuesday.

This is notable because Baker won't move everyday catcher Martin Maldonado out of the staring lineup, despite the rookie having better offensive numbers, because of his defensive prowess and chemistry with the pitching staff.

"You can only play nine guys at a time ... And the fact that our three main starters are usually caught by Maldy, and you want experience in the playoffs and World Series," the manager said.

Diaz will provide major value for the lineup that struggled to put up runs in Game 2.

He finished the 2023 season with a slash line of .282/.308/.538, 23 home runs and 60 RBI.

The rookie got his first postseason at-bat in Game 2 when he pinch-hit for Maldonado in the seventh inning.

He flew out in that plate appearance.

Houston will need a much more productive performance from Diaz in this pivotal Game 2 matchup.