The Houston Astros have made the decision to option first baseman José Abreu to their spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, in an effort to help the struggling player regain his form. The move comes as Abreu, the 2020 AL MVP, has been experiencing a significant slump at the plate.
Abreu, who is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Astros, has been batting just .099 with one extra-base hit and three RBIs in 22 games this season. The 37-year-old slugger has only managed to collect seven hits in 77 plate appearances.
General manager Dana Brown announced the decision after a meeting involving Abreu, coaches, and front-office personnel. Brown emphasized that Abreu was receptive and had a positive attitude about the move, showing a strong desire to return to his peak performance level.
To fill the gap left by Abreu's absence, the Astros have called up Joey Loperfido from Triple-A Sugar Land. Loperfido, a 24-year-old outfielder, made his major league debut on Tuesday night and is expected to provide depth in both the outfield and at first base.
Manager Joe Espada mentioned that Mauricio Dubón, a versatile player who won a Gold Glove last season, could also see playing time at first base. The Astros are exploring various options to cover Abreu's position until his return.
Despite Abreu's struggles, Brown expressed optimism about the veteran's ability to bounce back. He highlighted Abreu's dedication and commitment to improving his performance, noting that the focus will be on refining his timing and rhythm at the plate.
Abreu, a former AL Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star, joined the Astros last season after a successful tenure with the Chicago White Sox. His track record of offensive production and postseason success underscores the importance of his potential resurgence for the team.
While the move to send Abreu to the spring training facility is a temporary measure, both the player and the organization are determined to work together to address his current struggles and return him to top form in the near future.
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