Astros first baseman José Abreu will be sidelined for a few days with knee soreness, but the level of concern is low. The 37-year-old slugger was seen limping after sliding for a foul ball during a Spring Training game on Thursday. New manager Joe Espada told reporters that Abreu will rest for a few days with a sore knee, but there were “no concerns.”
Astros José Abreu Sidelined with Knee Soreness
José Abreu is dealing with right knee soreness from his sliding attempt on the foul ball Thursday in Jupiter. Joe Espada said Abreu will rest for a few days but there are “no concerns.”
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 9, 2024
Signed by the White Sox out of Cuba in 2013, Abreu spent nine seasons with Chicago before signing with Houston. He is a three-time All-Star and won the AL MVP in the shortened 2020 season after leading the league in multiple offensive categories. In addition to his three Silver Sluggers, Abreu has a .286 career average with 261 home runs and 953 RBI.
José Abreu is entering his second year of a three-year, $58.5 million contract with the Houston Astros. The former AL MVP had the worst year of his career in 2023, slashing .237/.296/.383. His 87 OPS+ marked the first time in his career that he has been under the league average of 100.
Abreu dealt with a back injury for most of last season before being placed on the injured list in August. After spending two weeks on the sidelines, Abreu started heating up towards the end of the regular season. He hit eight home runs in the season’s final weeks and batted .295/.354/.591 through the postseason.
Astros Not Concerned
Espada reassured the media on Saturday that there were “no concerns” about Abreu’s knee soreness being an issue moving forward. He also said the injury did not require any tests or imaging, which is good news. Jon Singleton drew the start in place of Abreu in Saturday’s Grapefruit League split-squad game against the Nationals. Singleton rejoined the Astros on a minor league contract last season and filled in for Abreu while he was on the IL. The 32-year-old lefty is batting .294/.316/.353 this spring and is seemingly a frontrunner for the Astros bench role. With Houston planning to rest Abreu more at first base, Singleton would likely be the backup first baseman.
Houston won the AL West for the sixth time in seven years before being eliminated in the ALCS after seven games by the Texas Rangers. The Astros have played a prominent role in the MLB Postseason over the past few years. Houston won the World Series in 2022, their second championship in franchise history and their second in seven years.
José Abreu is expected to play a key role for the Astros this season, both on offense and defense. If he can return to form, the Astros will be a much harder team to beat in the regular season and the postseason.
Main Photo Credits: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
