Meyers activated; Siri sent to Sugar Land
NEW YORK — The Astros optioned center fielder Jose Siri to Class AAA Sugar Land on Friday to clear a spot for starter Jake Meyers on their active roster.
The team activated Meyers off the injured list prior to Friday’s game. Meyers started the game and batted ninth in his season debut. The team designated outfielder Dillon Thomas for assignment to make room for Meyers on the 40-man roster.
Houston opted to keep Chas McCormick over Siri, signaling a desire for a competent bench bat over a bold baserunner.
Siri slashed .185/.248/ .315 in 141 plate appearances, but became a favorite of manager Dusty Bak- er’s for his aggression on the basepaths and spectacular defense.
Siri had left the Astros’ clubhouse before reporters entered prior to Friday’s game against the Yankees.
“He took it like a professional,” general manager James Click said. “We want to work on the approach at the plate, having a plan at the plate, executing that plan and continuing to manifest his talent into results on the field. He’s got as much talent as anybody in the game. We just need to continue to work on that plan of attack.”
Entering Friday’s games, Siri and former Astro Myles Straw led all center fielders with eight defensive runs saved, according to Sports Info Solutions. Siri is baseball’s fourth-fastest player, too, covering 30.2 feet per second when he sprints. No other Astro is above 29.4 feet per second.
Click called Meyers a “true separator” on defense. That organizational view somewhat negates the need for another defensive-first player on the bench.
Defensive metrics suggest utilityman Mauricio Dubón’s best defensive position is in center field, too, affording Baker another option with his lineup.
McCormick has a 96 OPS+ in 172 plate appearances this season, four points below the league average. He is hitting .219, but has a .394 slugging percentage.
“I don’t think Chas McCormick gets enough credit for his defense in center field. He’s got some of the best reaction times and routes in the game and it allows him to make up ground,” Click said. “… There wasn’t a clear choice in my mind, but we felt like this was best for the team and best for Jose so he could go down there and focus on what he needs to work on.”
Odorizzi begins rehab assignment
Righthander Jake Odorizzi tossed three innings in his first game of a rehab assignment as Sugar Land beat Tacoma 8-4 at Constellation Field.
Odorizzi, who has been on the injured list since May 17 with left lower leg discomfort, threw 59 pitches in three innings. He struck out four while allowing two runs on two hits. Hunter Brown (4-3) pitched five scoreless innings.