OAKLAND, Calif. — As their roster evolved, the Astros reconnected with a familiar face. Aledmys Díaz, who spent four seasons in a versatile role for Houston, is back. Díaz contributed significantly with his ability to play multiple positions, providing depth and relief for fatigued or injured players.
At the start of this season, the Astros didn’t seem to need another utility player, having Mauricio Dubón as a Gold Glove utilityman filling the gap left by Díaz after he departed in free agency following the 2022 season. Houston had consistent starters in eight lineup spots.
However, injuries and inconsistencies have changed things. Kyle Tucker has missed nearly two months, resulting in a revolving door in right field. José Abreu’s struggles and release have caused instability at first base, and four different players have started in left field this season.
Amid these challenges, the Astros brought Díaz back to their major-league roster on Monday, just nine days after signing him to a minor-league deal. He started at first base in the opener of a three-game series against the Oakland A’s, marking a swift reunion.
During his first stint with Houston, Díaz played five positions: all infield spots and left field. Manager Joe Espada, who was the Astros’ bench coach then and helped Díaz expand his defensive versatility, said he plans to use Díaz similarly to the past. “He can play all over the infield, and there are some opportunities in left field,” Espada said. “I’m just happy to have another piece to deploy as needed.”
Espada, in his first managerial season, has utilized his bench more than his predecessor. Last year, the Astros were second to last in plate appearances by substitutes and fourth to last in pinch-hit appearances due to a stable lineup and Dusty Baker’s trust in regulars.
This season, the Astros rank 23rd and 25th in these categories. Recently, Espada has allocated starts in the corner outfield spots and at first base more on a platoon basis, creating more opportunities for in-game moves and emphasizing the importance of a versatile bench.
“There have been some injuries and changes, so we have to be more creative,” Espada said. “We’re moving pieces around and trying to put players in the best position to succeed.”
Díaz previously excelled in such a role for Houston. Whether he can do so again is uncertain. From 2019-22, injuries limited Díaz’s playing time, but he posted an average OPS-plus of 101 when healthy, while covering five positions.
After signing a two-year, $14.5 million deal with Oakland, Díaz’s performance dropped. He managed a 65 OPS-plus in 121 games and missed the first two months of this season with a right calf strain, going 3-for-29 before Oakland released him.
His return to the Astros was sudden. After playing four minor-league games, Díaz was promoted without first joining a higher-level affiliate. “He was doing well enough down there that we felt it was time to bring him up,” Espada said. “The reports and videos showed he was checking all the boxes. We’re happy with where he’s at.”
Espada noted that the hitting coaches identified areas for improvement to potentially return Díaz to his 2021-22 performance levels. During batting practice at the Coliseum, Astros hitting coach Alex Cintrón observed and filmed Díaz’s swings, providing feedback and adjustments.
In the Astros’ 4-0 loss to the A’s, Díaz went hitless in three at-bats, striking out with men on second and third in the second inning and grounding out twice with exit velocities of 92.4 and 75.9 mph.
