Houston Astros: 2 candidates for the fourth outfielding spot

Jose Siri

While being another speedster in the outfield and on the base paths, Jose Siri could be the targeted fourth outfielder. While signing a minor league deal with the Astros in December, the right-hander showed out in the Dominican Winter League, but an upsetting 2019 minor league campaign plummeted his stock.

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Although bouncing around in multiple team’s systems in 2020, the Astros could lean on Siri, but at what cost? With a currently full 40-man roster, McCormick seems like the best option, but his numbers say otherwise, as this leaves a player in trouble of being designated for assignment or traded to make room.

The right-hander is still waiting for an assignment, and while having six hits through 27 at bats, this could be the Astros closely evaluating his case to make the roster. Although being a defensively effective centerfielder, Siri has seen his struggles at the plate but looks slightly better than McCormick.

If Siri were to make the roster and McCormick were to be optioned, then this leaves the Astros in a good position moving forward, as they have depth in the minor leagues when needed. With a surplus of pitchers, this could be where the move happens, but it all comes down to what the front office wants to do.

The Astros are back on the field against the New York Mets on Saturday with Bryan Abreu on the mound at 12:10 p.m. While this is a game to prove that he is ready to make the big league roster, the right-hander could have an easy path with Pedro Baez, Jake Odorizzi and possibly Andre Scrubb not ready by Opening Day. Kent Emanuel will get the ball first in Saturday’s ‘B’ game against the Washington Nationals. The team also reassigned Alex De Goti, Ronnie Dawson, Ralph Garza Jr., C.J. Hinojosa, Hector Velasquez, Carson LaRue and Jeremy Pena to the minor leagues on Friday.