Houston Astros surprise player could force tough roster decision

The Houston Astros have overcome major injury issues throughout the 2024 MLB season. Despite numerous season-ending injuries and other instances of injuries that have forced stars to miss time, the Astros have an impressive 43-42 record and have won 10 of their last 12 games.

As injuries have piled up, Houston has had players step up and perform well to keep the team afloat.

One player who has stepped up to the plate and helped keep the Astros relevant is outfielder Trey Cabbage. He has played admirably in the absence of star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Chron.com The Cardinals have taken note of Cabbage and believe he will force Houston to make a tough decision. With Tucker returning to the field in the near future, Cabbage could be sent back to the minor leagues.

However, due to his impressive play in June, he might force the team to keep him.

“There likely won’t be enough room for everyone on the 26-man roster when Tucker returns, especially with starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia returning. Cabbage has a strong case to remain on the roster.”

During the month of June, Cabbage was a key player for the Astros.

In his 14 games in June, he hit .314/.351/.471, with one home run and four RBIs. Those numbers aren’t huge, but he was the definition of consistency.

At 27, Cabbage is ready for a bigger role. His production could keep him on the team.

Cabbage may have done enough to make the decision difficult, but it’s hard to see how Houston could keep him when Tucker returns. There may simply not be enough roster spots to keep him in the major leagues.

Whether or not he stays with the Astros for now, he will be a quality player who can be called up at any time when an outfielder is needed. He could also be a key player who gets called up later in the year.

That being said, Houston will have a tough decision to make. Do they keep him on the roster or send him down the roster when players return from injury? Fans will just have to wait and see.