Loperfido is ‘on the map’ but will start in Triple-A

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Joey Loperfido left a strong impression on the Astros in his first major league spring training. That the 24-year-old prospect will not crack a loaded Houston roster to start the season does not diminish it.

“I told him that at some point this year, I could see him impacting our club,” manager Joe Espada said.

Espada informed Loperfido on Sunday, the team’s final morning in West Palm Beach, that he will open the season at Triple-A Sugar Land. That there was even a question of whether Loperfido could play his way onto the opening-day roster reflected his eye-opening performance in major league camp. Loperfido finished 13-for-34 (.382) with six extra-base hits in Grapefruit League play and garnered praise from Astros officials in camp for his professional demeanor.

Loperfido, a seventhround draft pick in 2021 from Duke, began last season at High-A and finished it at Triple-A, where he compiled a .235/ .333/.403 slash line in 32 games. He emerged a surprise candidate for a bench spot this spring but in a small sample of Grapefruit League games. Houston is still finalizing its bench among several options with major league experience.

“It was a really positive conversation between Joe and I, but just that it wasn’t my time right now,” said Loperfido. “I feel like I came in and did what I wanted to do from my end, which was just be myself in the clubhouse, get my work here, and just kind of let my play speak for itself. So just going to be straight up, go back to business and get my work in Triple-A and stay ready.”

Defensively, Loperfido played all three outfield spots in games this spring. The Astros will also work him in at first base at Triple-A. That is notable given the team’s lack of depth at first base at the upper levels. Loperfido did not appear at first base this spring but has played 51 games there in the minors, including 19 last season.

“I feel good there. I feel comfortable,” Loperfido said. “So I’m excited to kind of work that back in.”

Defensive versatility could increase Loperfido’s appeal, particularly if he hits at Triple-A. The Astros have José Abreu at first base but have yet to declare his backup entering the season. Jon Singleton would fill that role if Singleton makes the team. Espada said Sunday that Singleton remains in competition for the last two bench spots with infielder Grae Kessinger and outfielder Corey Julks.

That decision and the finalizing of Houston’s bullpen will extend into the exhibition games Monday and Tuesday against Triple-A Sugar Land at Minute Maid Park, Espada said. The Astros did inform Loperfido, infielder

Shay Whitcomb, catcher C.J. Stubbs, outfielder Pedro León and pitcher Joel Kuhnel on Sunday that they will begin the season at Sugar Land.

In the bullpen, lefthanders Bennett Sousa and Parker Mushinski and right-handers Tayler Scott and Luis Contreras are candidates likely competing for two spots. Brandon Bielak and Seth Martinez seem likely inclusions on the initial roster, though Espada has not confirmed that. Both pitchers can work multiple innings, with Bielak capable of making a spot start, something a thinned Astros rotation might require.

Loperfido was “very professional” in receiving the news that he will start in Triple-A, Espada said. Their discussion touched on a key element for Loperfido to pursue in Sugar Land.

“His outfield play was really good, so you want to maintain that,” Espada said. “I think he’s a good baserunner. His swing has come a long way. His zone discipline is better. But to get to the big leagues and stay in the big leagues, you have to do it every day. Consistency is very important.

“I think Joey Loperfido definitely put himself on the map. I think he can help us and he can play at the major league level.”

Meyers OK after being hit on hand

Jake Meyers averted injury to his left hand from a hit-by-pitch Saturday and is not going to miss any time, Espada said.

Meyers, the Astros’ projected opening-day center fielder, went for X-rays after he was struck on the hand in Houston’s Grapefruit League game against the Mets. Meyers said Sunday morning the tests showed nothing broken.

“We dodged a bullet there,” Espada said before the Astros played their Grapefruit League finale Sunday.