Astros consent to an All-Star’s reunion.

A well-known face rejoining the Astros.
According to Brian McTaggart, the team has signed Aledmys Diaz to a minor league contract. Diaz was an Astros player from 2019 to 2022. Despite being an infielder by nature, Diaz is a versatile player who has also spent time in the corner outfield positions over his career.

The Cuban left the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2019 season and signed with Houston. In his three seasons with the Astros, he hit.255 and was a vital cog off the bench that helped the team win the World Series in 22′.

Diaz signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics after that in an attempt to start more frequently in the Bay Area, but things did not work out as planned. Diaz batted just.229 in 109 games in 2023, with four home runs and 24 RBI.

Oakland undoubtedly hoped that the 33-year-old would make a comeback this season, but injuries kept him out of action for the first two months of play. After making a comeback, Diaz was hitting just.103 in 12 games. The A’s released him last week as a result of that.

A fresh start in a familiar place could be good for Diaz. While there’s no guarantees he’ll return to the Astros immediately, the ball club knows what Diaz is capable of. Houston has a few other bench players who are probably going to be above Diaz on the depth chart, but it’s still a chance to prove himself and get another shot in the Majors. He was an All-Star in his rookie campaign in 2016 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Astros finding their way

It hasn’t been a great season for the Astros, who have been a regular in the ALCS and World Series for many years now. But, Joe Espada’s squad is figuring it out lately, winning four in a row and going 7-3 in their last 10 outings.

Houston is sitting at 50-44, which is good for second place in the American League West. They’re right on the Seattle Mariners’ heels ahead of the All-Star Break. The Astros are also red-hot at Minute Maid Park, collecting 10 straight victories on home soil.

Offense has been the clear strength for this team, ranking top-five in hits, average, OBP, and slugging. They’re also eighth in runs scored. Jose Altuve is leading the way with a .305 average and 14 home runs, while Yordan Alvarez is also slashing .300. The slugger has also clubbed 19 long balls and 21 doubles.

The Astros haven’t exactly been the best on the hill, and Justin Verlander’s neck ailment hasn’t helped either. The three-time Cy Young winner has no set return date either. He is sidelined for the duration of the break. Verlander has made 10 starts in 24′ and is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA.

Before the All-Star festivities, the Astros and Rangers will conclude their three-game series on Sunday. Next Friday at home, there will be a huge series versus the Mariners to start the second half. Houston might have a chance to take the lead in the division with that.