Astros: how does Jose Siri fit into a postseason roster?

The Houston Astros are expecting Jason Castro and Taylor Jones to return in the coming days, as Jones will require a 40-man roster spot to return. Jose Siri has continued to crush the baseball, which may leave Jones in the minor leagues when moved back to the 40-man roster.

Siri has a strong chance to remain on the active roster until the end of the season, after going 4-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI on Monday night. The right-hander has also taken more innings in Michael Brantley’s (knee) absense, but at full strength, he is likely the odd man out.

Many have compared Siri’s possible postseason role to Myles Straw’s in years past, as a pinch-runner with plus speed. But for Siri’s case, he displays more tools than that of Straw with above average power and more range in the field.

With the postseason right around the corner, where does Jose Siri fit into an October roster?

Regarding 2020, postseason rosters carried 28 players, but for 2021, rosters will remain at 26 for October. With that in mind, the Astros could carry 12 or 13 pitchers in the ALDS, but with only five games possible, the amount of pitchers could fluctuate.

There are for sure locks out of the infield with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel and Aledmys Diaz making the roster. The second utility spot would likely be granted to Marwin Gonzalez due to his versatility and possible clutch hitting in years past.

Looking at the backstops, Martin Maldonado and Castro would make the roster, as the possibility of carrying Garrett Stubbs as a third catcher could likely an option. If not, it leaves another spot for an outfielder or a pitcher.

Say the Astros carry 12 pitchers, two catchers and six infielders, that leaves six roster spots for outfielders such as Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, Michael Brantley, Jake Meyers, Chas McCormick and of course, Jose Siri.

The right-hander’s best shot of being on a postseason roster comes in the ALDS, as more pitchers would be needed if the Astros reach the ALCS and World Series. We haven’t seen general manager James Click construct a postseason roster under normal circumstances, so it will be intriguing to see what route he takes.