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The Houston Astros have started the year 4-11 and are looking to improve. On a young, rebuilding club like the Astros, unless you perform, you’re not safe, and I guess you could say that for anyone, as GM Jeff Luhnow has shown everyone just that.
Brett Wallace, first baseman for the Astros, had started the year off in a terrible slump. Wallace was hitting .042, so yeah, he was nowhere near performing. In fact, this is the absolute worst I’ve seen Wallace look while at the plate. He looked absolutely lost and as a result, has struggled worse this year than ever before.
As a big believer in Wallace, I am truly disappointed. This could have been his last chance at making an impact on the Astros. With the top first base prospect in all of baseball, Jonathan Singleton, Wallace’s days were numbered. There is a really good chance that the Astros fans will be able to see the prospect up close and personal at the end of the season this year. If Singleton proves he’s ready, he’ll man first base for a long time.
With the Astros sending down Wallace, they will be calling up Brandon Laird from Triple-A Oklahoma City. So far at Triple-A, Laird has picked up from where he left off during Spring Training. He was looking like he would claim a roster spot during Spring Training, but it just didn’t happen.
He now has his chance, and I bet he takes full advantage of it.
Laird wasn’t on the 4- man roster, so the Astros designated Xavier Cedeno for assignment. If he goes unclaimed, he’ll return to Triple-A Oklahoma City. For the time being, his roster spot in Houston has opened up. Many people believe his place could be taken by Julio Borbon, who has yet to be claimed off waivers.
