Astros continue to crumble as Alex Bregman hits IL

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is on the IL due to a hamstring injury.

The Houston Astros are far from the dominant juggernaut that used illegal means to dominate the American League over the last few years. However, they should end up in the postseason once again in 2020 due, in part, to the performances of Alex Bregman.

The one saving grace in a 2020 season that has been marred with scandal and disappointment, Bregman’s 2020 season could go up in smoke after picking up a potentially serious injury.

Dusty Baker confirmed that Bregman will be placed on the IL due to a hamstring injury and will return to Houston in order to undergo an MRI on his hamstring. To take his spot on the roster, Houston recalled left-handed reliever Cionel Perez from the alternate training site.

Bregman has been performing better than some of Houston’s stars in 2020

Even without the aid of knowing what pitch is coming, Bregman is hitting .272 with four home runs and a 134 OPS+ this season. While this is a tick behind his MVP-caliber production in ’18 and ’19, it’s better than the poor stats put up by struggling stars Jose Altuve and George Springer.

The Astros have a multitude of options when it comes to replacing the former LSU star in the lineup. Yuli Gurriel seems like the most natural option given his experience at third base, but Abraham Toro and Jack Mayfield could also slide in to take up his at-bats. The Astros are currently second in the AL West, and they need to replace Bregman’s production if they want to stay in that slot.

Baker might have the Astros playing some fine baseball at the moment, but their entire operation could come undone now that Bregman is going to be on the shelf. If this injury turns into something more serious, his injury might be a death knell for Houston’s championship hopes.