Questions surrounding the Astros as the ALDS approaches

Question #3: Carry an extra catcher or outfielder?

If the Astros decide not to carry more than eleven pitchers on the postseason roster, the postseason roster can look like this for the position players.

Catchers: Brian McCann, Martin Maldonado (2)

Infield: Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman (4)

Outfield: George Springer, Josh Reddick, Jake Marisnick (3)

DH: Evan Gattis (1)

Utility: Marwin Gonzalez, Tony Kemp, Tyler White (3)

Barring something unexpected, the Astros’ postseason roster should pretty close to my mock one. So, eleven pitchers plus thirteen position players equals 24 total players on the ALDS roster, which leaves one valuable spot open.

Which player do the Astros choose to add? Based on what I’ve read and heard to this point, it could come down to another catcher or outfielder. That leaves three players on the team’s active roster who fit this description: Max Stassi, Kyle Tucker, and Myles Straw. Each brings something different to the club, but playing time will likely not be abundant.

At this point, I’d doubt if Stassi makes the roster as the third catcher with McCann and Maldonado already entrenched at the position. Tucker would be an interesting option based on his potential, but he doesn’t possess the blazing speed of Straw. In the postseason, there is a need for a speed guy on the bases in the right situation. Derek Fisher during Game 5 of the World Series is a recent example. So, Straw it is for the final roster spot in the ALDS. All three though ought not to expect an abundance of playing time under the special circumstances known as postseason baseball.