The nadir of Jose Abreu’s profession might have come on Tuesday night time.
Abreu had an ideal alternative within the high of the tenth inning that night time — the ghost runner was on second with one out. As a substitute, the Astros pinch-hit for Abreu, bringing in Victor Caratini to aim to drive in that run.
Modifications had been made on Wednesday. Abreu was dropped all the way down to the eighth spot within the lineup because of his struggles. He did decide up his first RBI on a sacrifice fly within the fourth inning, however Abreu was 0-for-3, grounding right into a double play and placing out. He has batted simply .081/.146/.081 in 41 plate appearances with three singles on the 12 months. This follows a disappointing first season in Houston the place Abreu posted a career-worst .237/.296/.383 batting line with 18 homers and 23 doubles in 594 PA.
Primarily based on his batted ball metrics, there isn’t a purpose to anticipate Abreu to interrupt out of his early season malaise. His 85.1 MPH common exit velocity is within the twelfth percentile. His 16 p.c hard-hit charge is within the second percentile. Abreu’s .101/.135/.119 anticipated slash line ranks within the first percentile in every class. His total batted ball profile is painted blue, exhibiting how chilly he has been. These struggles prompted Michael Shapiro of the Houston Chronicle to invest that first base prospect Joey Loperfido might attain the majors prior to anticipated.
Abreu goes to have some leeway. His observe report suggests that he’s the run producer the Astros want. The Astros’ first baseman was a prolific run producer throughout his tenure with the White Sox. He had pushed in no less than 100 runs six occasions in his earlier 10 years within the majors. Plus, he’s a three-time All-Star, the 2014 AL Rookie of the 12 months and the 2020 AL MVP. He’s additionally beginning the second season of his three-year, $58 million contract. His wage alone will make sure that he receives each alternative to get on observe.
Nevertheless, Abreu is 37 years previous. His bat has slowed down, and he’s struggling to catch as much as the fastballs he would have pushed within the latest previous. Father Time has caught as much as Abreu, and he merely has nothing left.
