Recent skid might lessen Gurriel’s potential impact
MINNEAPOLIS — Yulieski Gurriel will report Tuesday to Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi for the beginning of probably his final week in the minor leagues. Although the date is not set in stone, the decorated 32-year-old Cuban infielder remains likely to debut for the Astros next Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.
But by then, with the Astros more than 70 percent through a season currently hanging by a thread, it might be too late for him to make a meaningful imprint on 2016.
In the 3½ weeks since they signed Gurriel for the rest of this season and the four that follow, the Astros’ odds at making a second consecutive postseason have drastically diminished.
A two-week tailspin changed the complexion of a once-promising 2016 campaign.
Sinking chances
On the afternoon Gurriel was introduced in a news conference at Minute Maid Park, Fangraphs.com pegged the Astros’ chances at either winning the American League West or qualifying for one of two wild-card spots at 60.6 percent.
Entering Monday night’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins, those odds stood at 16.2 percent.
If the Astros don’t make up ground this week, Gurriel’s presence for the season’s final 40-some games may serve as merely his introduction to the major leagues.
Before the start of his tuneup in the minor leagues, Gurriel had not played in competitive games since February, when he and his younger brother, now-free agent Lourdes Jr., defected. Gurriel was 6-for-14 with a grand slam and nine RBIs in his four games with Class A Lancaster last week.
“Well, he’s definitely graduated past A ball,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said before Monday night’s game at Target Field. “He dominated that level.”
A week in Corpus?
Gurriel was off Monday before beginning his Texas League stint on Tuesday. Corpus Christi is home through Sunday. The Astros are off Monday before opening a two-game series against the Cardinals the next day.
Gurriel is expected to play only third base and designated hitter while in the minor leagues. Those are his two likely entry points into the Astros’ lineup once he’s ready to join the team.
“There’s no way to train for this game other than to play it every day,” Hinch said. “I know his bat speed is good. The reports have been very favorable with how he moves around on the field defensively.
“And he’s in a different structure of preparation given his age, given his experience. He knows how to get himself ready to play. … We’ll continue to re-assess his body readiness and how he’s adapting to what’s a very abbreviated spring training in the States.”