Who Goes Down for Houston Astros When Brantley Gets Called Up?
As is the case with all long-term injuries, someone has to be demoted back to Triple-A when a Major Leaguer returns to the squad.
That will soon be the case when Michael Brantley returns to the Houston Astros lineup.
Brantley is currently on a rehab assignment for Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys and he's due back on Houston's MLB roster in May.
So, who will be getting sent back down to the minors once Brantley's rehab assignment is complete?
It seems the odd man out at this time would likely be Corey Julks.
Yes, Julks has shown power at the plate and is a solid outfielder.
In fact, Julks is batting .300 in the Majors in 2023 through 50 at-bats.
However, Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers are clearly the Astros' chosen outfield options beyond the obvious untouchables in Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker.
The other options beyond Julks would be Meyers, who is batting .250 this season through 40 at-bats -- but he's also been a part of the Astros roster since 2021, so it's highly unlikely they'll send him down to Sugar Land. Catcher Cesar Salazar could also be the odd man out of manager Dusty Baker no longer wants to go with three catchers.
For Julks, 2023 is his first season in the Big Leagues -- and unfortunately, baseball is a business and most players understand that aspect of the game.
If Julks is sent back down, he'll have plenty of playing time with the Space Cowboys and will be high on Houston's radar when it comes to calling players back up from Triple-A.
One thing is certain: Brantley is due back within the next couple of weeks, so changes to the active Astros roster are inevitable.
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