Is It Time for Houston Astros to Bench Abreu?
Could Mauricio Dubón play first base?
That's a question that has been circulating among fans for quite some time, but it also begs the bigger question: should the Houston Astros bench José Abreu?
Abreu inked a three-year, $58.5 million contract prior to the start of the 2023 MLB season, but has majorly underperformed at the plate since joining the Astros.
Drastic measures, such as calling up Joey Loperfido from Double-A Corpus Christi, have been discussed -- at least amongst fans and sports writers.
But a more realistic measure, and one that could make sense if he can learn to play the position, would be placing Dubón at first base.
Dubón's bat is a helping hand in a lineup that has somewhat underachieved this season, so finding a way to get him into the game with Jose Altuve back has made decisions difficult for Astros skipper Dusty Baker.
In Altuve's first game back with the team this season, Dubón was on the bench while Abreu was batting clean-up and positioned at first.
Granted, Dubón is the epitome of a backup utility player -- especially if they can teach him to play the corners in addition to second base -- but if Baker can find a way to get him into the lineup almost daily, that would be ideal.
It's highly doubtful Baker or anyone in the Astros brass will actually recommend benching the veteran Abreu, but "underperformed" is an understatement.
So far this season, Abreu is slashing .218/.273/.259 without a single home run.
Abreu's .259 slugging percentage is by far the worst of his long career to date, and his .273 on-base percentage is well below his usual numbers as well.
Dubón, meanwhile, is slashing .309/.295/.370 this season with eight RBI and three stolen bases.
Should the Astros bench Abreu?
Should they move Dubón to first base?
Or should they shop for a first baseman prior to the trade deadline and just count their losses?
Considering how reluctant Baker has been to move Abreu out of the lineup or off of first base, Houston may be content with riding things out -- at least until the All-Star break.
After that time, if Abreu is still underperforming, drastic measures may begin to take place.
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