Houston Astros: 3 replacements for Jose Altuve after World Baseball Classic injury

Houston Astros could call up prospect Pedro Leon

It’s a long shot, but if neither Hensley nor Dubón can hold down the role on a consistent basis, the Astros could call up their fourth-ranked prospect, Pedro Leon. The 24-year-old Leon is projected by MLB.com to make his Major League debut sometime this season, but could it be earlier than anticipated with Altuve’s injury?

Leon played 20 games at Triple-A at second base last season while logging 53 in center field and 33 in right field, showing he can bring some versatility to the roster if the Astros were to call him up. However, there are questions about if his bat is MLB-ready after slashing just .228/.365/.431 in 413 Triple-A at-bats last season. Leon will likely need some more time in Triple-A before he’s ready to come to Houston. However, if he starts hot at Sugar Land and Houston’s MLB options are struggling, don’t be surprised to see a move made.

Another big thing working against him to start the season at second base for the Astros is his timetable to recover from offseason sports hernia surgery. Heading into Sunday, he has had just three spring training plate appearances in two games (with the first coming on March 14), so it’s clear he is still ramping up from that surgery, given the six- to eight-week recovery timeline.