Implications of Houston Astros Shutting Down Brantley Indefinitely

The Houston Astros were expecting the imminent return of Michael Brantley from the injured list. Inserting a healthy Brantley into the lineup would have given not only a huge boost to the offense, but extra flexibility for manager Dusty Baker.

But those plans are shelved after the Astros announced they are shutting Brantley down for an indefinite amount of time due to shoulder inflammation.

Brantley hasn't appeared in an MLB game since June 26, 2022 and that was due to shoulder issues in which he underwent surgery to address.

So, what happens now?

Yordan Alvarez has gotten the lion's share of reps in left field. That was expected as Baker suggested back at the Winter Meetings in December that Alvarez would get 70-percent of the playing time in left.

Brantley was slated to help him there.

Instead, Corey Julks has been helping in that regard, but after a hot start has slowed considerably as opposing pitching have adjusted to attacking him.

David Hensley, who was slated to take over at second base with Jose Altuve missing time with injury, has given way to Mauricio Dubon. He could figure into the plans.

Chas McCormick has also been out with an eye issue and now back discomfort. He could be an option, but again, he is also shelved with injury.

In the end, the options are not great when it comes to trying to replicate any performance Brantley may have been able to give Houston.

On the surface level, it appears it'll be more of the same for the Astros offense moving forward, except for the addition of Altuve.

This year's trade deadline could be an active one for the Astros if things on the injury front don't improve.

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