Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: Keep A.J. Reed in Triple-A!

By Colin Gay

Mar 5, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed (80) lays in the outfield before a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed (80) lays in the outfield before a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Option 1:

Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Danny Worth (26) is congratulated by third base coach Gary Pettis (10) after hitting a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Danny Worth (26) is congratulated by third base coach Gary Pettis (10) after hitting a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Call up Danny Worth. Platoon Marwin Gonzalez versus left-handers and Marwin Gonzalez /Luis Valbuena versus right-handers.

There are three reasons why Danny Worth should be called up to the big leagues. First, Worth has gone above and beyond offensively to earn a spot on the active roster. In his 51 games at Triple-A Fresno this season, Worth has a .352 batting average with a 1.029 OPS. He has also shown some pop recording 22 extra base hits and driving in 35.

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Not only has he shown some power in the middle of the Grizzlies lineup. He has also shown patience at the plate. Along with a remarkable .457 OBP, Worth has walked 35 times compared to only 39 strikeouts.

Second, he already has big league experience. In 292 total at bats in five years with the Detroit Tigers, Worth hit .230 with a .588 OPS, two home runs, and 19 RBIs. Although he has not had much playing time and has not proved himself at the big league level, he knows what the transition to the majors feels like.

Third, he gives A.J. Hinch and the Houston Astros some breathing room in regards to using Gonzalez. In 2016 alone, Gonzalez has played all the infield positions excluding catcher and left field. Worth’s ability to play around the infield can let Gonzalez be the guy at first base against right-handed pitching.

Worth’s call up also allows for Valbuena to get more experience at first base. In 36 games at first base in the last two seasons, Valbuena has been successful, recording only one error in his 257 total innings.

This gives Hinch a way to keep Valbuena in the lineup. He has been on a tear offensively, hitting .284 with a .885 OPS in his last 30 games. He also has hit six home runs and has driven in 14 RBIs.

Another benefit for the Worth call up would be the ability for the Astros organization to continue to fast track Alex Bregman to the major leagues. With solid numbers at Double-A Corpus Christi and a spot for an infielder open, Bregman would be a perfect fit in Fresno with Worth on the active roster.

Worth’s call up would give Hinch the ability to start Gonzalez at first base and still have that utility man off of the bench if someone gets hurt or for late inning magic.

Next: Option 2

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