Reddick gets a day off to sort out bat woes

OAKLAND, Calif. — In the midst of a miserable slump that raises questions whether he still deserves everyday at-bats, Astros outfielder Josh Reddick received a day off on Saturday.

A 1-for-5 showing in Friday’s 3-2, 13-inning loss reduced Reddick’s OPS to .691. Since July 2, Reddick is slashing .184/.234/ .237. He has not homered since June 28.

“We met in Chicago and (will) just keep encouraging him to find his best swing and contribute.” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “He hit a couple balls pretty well yesterday and just hasn’t gotten a ton of luck. But also, we need production out of him.”

In August, Reddick has gone 5-for-36. Only one of his five hits have garnered extra bases. His frustration is mounting in more outward ways, complete with three bat slams on Friday night after unsuccessful at-bats.

Saturday’s lineup showed the most logical configuration should the Astros choose a more permanent benching. Jake Marisnick hit ninth and played center field while George Springer shifted to right.

Should Reddick continue his slide, Kyle Tucker looms as a possibility for some outfield at-bats, too. The top prospect is unlikely to join the Astros until rosters expand in September.

At the beginning of this 10game road trip, Hinch said Reddick was in no danger of losing playing time. Saturday, he seemed to echo the sentiment.

“Our best team has a really tough bottom of the order that includes Josh Reddick,” Hinch said. “We have to get him underway. Pitch selection is important. I can see he’s frustrated after every at-bat. But it can turn quickly for him.”

Peacock to ease burden on bullpen

The Astros plan to activate Brad Peacock from the injured list Sunday morning, adding another fresh reliever to their tattered bullpen.

Peacock has not thrown in a major league game since June 27 while combating right shoulder soreness. He suffered a setback in early July and spent most of the next six weeks working his way back.

Peacock was not with the team on Saturday in Oakland, where Rogelio Armenteros made his second major league start. Armenteros, who gave up five runs in four innings, was optioned after the game to Class AAA Round Rock in all likelihood to clear a spot for Peacock.

Peacock threw a scoreless inning during a minor league rehab assignment with Class

AAA Round Rock on Thursday and reported back to the Express on Friday to ensure he felt no lingering discomfort.

“He can be really good for us in the pen if we can get him locked back in the strike zone,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He’s a very versatile, very valuable guy in the pen.”

In 65 innings as a reliever last season, Peacock pitched to a 3.00 ERA and struck out 96. He can be menacing against righthanded hitters, though his control during rehab assignments was suspect. Across three outings with Round Rock, Peacock walked five hitters in 1⅓ innings.

That Peacock will return fresh is welcome for a weary group of relievers working during a 17game stretch without a day off.

“Our pen is really beat up,” said Hinch, who used six relievers in Friday’s 13-inning game and three more in Saturday’s 8-4 loss.