Houston Astros: Why The Young Core Of Players Don’t Need To DH!

Jul 25, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) talks with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) while taking batting practice before the Houston Astros play the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) talks with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) while taking batting practice before the Houston Astros play the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Carlos Beltran

Not surprising to anyone, the veteran outfielder looks to get the most DH at-bats from anyone else on the team. But don’t rule out his fielding abilities, either!

Hinch has even said that, despite Beltran being 40, he has defied aging. So much so, in fact, that the skip is even trying to get the future hall of famer, and former teammate, a nice chunk of starts playing in left field.

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Despite fewer reps and being more of a natural right fielder, Beltran has appeared to settle in very well to the least intense of outfield corners. Presumably, he will make most, if not all, of his left field starts at Minute Maid Park.

If Hinch wants to get creative and sprinkle him out in the field across the season, he could also start him out there in parks like Fenway or Kaufman Stadium against teams like the Red Sox and Royals respectively. The dimensions in parks like these will certainly be more friendly for Beltran.

When not in the field or taking a day of rest, bank on Carlos Beltran to be the team’s primary DH. Being that he is already a switch hitter, you won’t even have to worry about pitching match ups for the veteran that has slashed .281/.354/.492 over his distinguished career.

DH Estimation: 90-95 games, Outfield Estimation: 35-40 games.