Dirden Could be on Track to Make Astros Roster After Show in Spring Training

Justin Dirden just wouldn’t go away.

He kept competing and executing and impressing the Houston Astros through spring training.

Now with Michael Brantley struggling with a shoulder injury, the 25-year-old Dirden could very well open the regular season on the 26-man roster.

Dirden, an undrafted free agent, could be here to stay.

Dirden is slashing .300/.417/.600 with two home runs while playing all three outfield positions in camp. His defense has also been stellar.

“He has that quiet confidence,” Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters. “He can play all three outfield positions, he can run, he can throw. There's not much he can't do on the baseball field. He's been impressive from Day 1."

Dirden appears to be competing for one of the final two bench spots.

Now it won’t be the worst thing if he opens the season at Triple-A Sugar Land to get consistent playing time. After all, Dirden only has 128 career at-bats in Triple-A.

The fact that he’s even in the mix to earn a spot on the Astros is rather remarkable.

“Someone told me once before (that) nerves and excitement are kind of the same thing, just shed in different lights,” Dirden told reporters. “Excitement is more positive; nervous more negative. I’d say I’m more excited than anything. No matter where (he starts), I’m just going to continue to keep my head high and work on the process to get better.”

Dirden has played in 207 career Minor League games after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southeast Missouri State in 2020.

He sure doesn't look like an undrafted free agent. No, more like a high draft pick in the first five rounds.

With camp just about over, all he can do now is wait and hope.

“It’s not easy to crack any Major League lineup or any 26-man or 40-man roster, especially this one,” Dirden said. “It would be awesome.”

And well deserved.

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