Astros: Predicting The 2016 Batting Order

With Opening Day less than a week from today, the first of 162 regular season lineup cards will be filled by manager A.J. Hinch.

Entering spring training, all but one or two of those spots were filled. After Jon Singleton and A.J. Reed were sent to the Minor Leagues yesterday, we now know who will be starting at first base. At DH, Evan Gattis will start the season on the DL, giving Hinch plenty of options with Preston Tucker and Marwin Gonzalez likely seeing plenty of early season at-bats.

Though not officially announced by the New York Yankees quite yet, Masahiro Tanaka figures to be the starting pitcher when the Yankees take the mound against the Astros at Yankee Stadium on Monday. With a righty on the mound, Preston Tucker will likely get the nod at DH.

Here’s how I see the starting lineup come Monday:

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Jose Altuve – 2B (R)
George Springer – RF (R)
Carlos Correa – SS (R)
Colby Rasmus – LF (L)
Carlos Gomez – CF (R)
Preston Tucker – DH (L)
Tyler White – 1B (R)
Luis Valbuena – 3B (L)
Jason Castro – C (L)

Once everyone is healthy come late April or so, here’s how I’d like to see the lineup shake out:

Jose Altuve – 2B (R)
George Springer – RF (R)
Carlos Correa – SS (R)
Colby Rasmus – LF (L)
Evan Gattis – DH (R)
Carlos Gomez – CF (R)
Tyler White – 1B (R)
Luis Valbuena – 3B (L)
Jason Castro – C (L)

I wouldn’t be surprised to see White and Valbuena flipflopped in the order as to break up the lefties, though that’s not something I personally care about. White is the better hitter and is more likely to extend an inning and drive in runs than Valbuena. Also, if a team brings in a lefty late in the game to face Valbuena, then the Astros will counter with pinch-hitting Marwin Gonzalez .