Astros: Taylor Jones making case to remain in the majors

As the Houston Astros throttled their friends from Seattle, 15-1, Taylor Jones continued to boost his offensive production heading into a month with expanded rosters. Chas McCormick was scratched from the lineup with left-hand soreness sustained in batting practice, which pushed Jones to left field due to a short bench. The right-hander can play beyond first base, while taking innings at the hot corner and now excelling in left field.

The almost future Chicago Cub has settled in after his most recent promotion, as he has slashed .389/.368/.889 in his last seven games (18 at-bats). It is a small sample size, but his offensive boost is no secret to the human eye.

Jones was a single short of the cycle Saturday evening, as he pumped a three-for-five line with three runs and four RBI. In the rear view mirror, infielder Justin Wilson slashed two extra base hits, the first two of his major-league career.

Taylor Jones’ recent success could lead to him staying on the Astros’ active roster for the remainder of the season.

Alex Bregman returned to Minute Maid Park on Saturday for an evaluation, while not joining the Sugar Land Skeeters for their evening game.

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The right-hander will head back to Triple-A for a game on Sunday, even though some reports hinted to his return to the majors on Sunday or Monday. With his sights on a return in the coming weeks, a player will be optioned in response.

This move shouldn’t involve the slugging Jones, while Wilson is first in line to go. Wilson did have his best game of his short major-league career on Saturday, but if Bregman joins the team before September, Wilson should be the one optioned.

Looking at a normal 26-man roster with Bregman and Kyle Tucker healthy, the bench would include Jake Meyers, Jason Castro, Aledmys Diaz and possibly Jones. With Robel Garcia never finding a rhythm at the major-league level, Jones should be the clearcut selection for the last bench spot.

After a night celebrating the anniversaries of Mike Fiers’ first no-hitter and Yuli Gurriel’s major-league debut, the Astros sleep comfortably. They look to complete the sweep on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. with Framber Valdez matching up against left-hander Tyler Anderson.