Houston Astros Veteran Now Available Off Bench If Needed

The Houston Astros are getting one of their veterans back in the mix as he worked himself back from injury to be an option off the bench if needed against the Seattle Mariners.

The Houston Astros were able to make a statement on Monday night when they went on the road and beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1 in the series opener.

Justin Verlander was vintage and completely dominated the opposing hitters as he got enough run support to make sure the Astros held onto a victory.

Entering that game, Houston was massively struggling, going 1-5 in their last six games at home, including a sweep against the 102-loss Kansas City Royals.

The Mariners have also had the Astros' number this year, winning eight of the 10 matchups.

But when it mattered most, the stars in their clubhouse showed up.

Verlander was fantastic, sluggers Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker both hit homers and Jose Altuve drove in a run.

Now, according to MLB.com, they have another one of their weapons back in the mix for this series.

They reported that Michael Brantley has worked his way back from injury and is now available off the bench in this matchup if he's needed.

He hasn't appeared in seven consecutive games as he was dealing with soreness in his right shoulder after recovering from surgery that sidelined him starting late in August 2022.

Brantley gives manager Dusty Baker a left handed batting option and someone who has performed well in big spots.

He has a career slash line of .297/.355/.439 and has hit .262/.273/.429 with two home runs and six RBI across 12 games in his return this season.

Whether or not he'll be a defensive sub as well is unknown, but him being back and available to hit gives this team another weapon for their final playoff push.