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Houston Astros: Time to Rethink Carlos Beltran at DH?

By James Zeankowski

Apr 22, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Carlos Beltran (15) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Carlos Beltran (15) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Consider the Catchers!

The risk that Hinch would create in using one of his catchers to DH is not lost on anyone. But given that Carlos Beltran has yet to really breakthrough in 2017, it could be a risk worth taking.

Considering what both Brian McCann and Evan Gattis have been able to do on both sides of the ball so far, they are quickly becoming the best catching duo in the entire league. By extension, they would also be the best catching duo in the history of the Houston Astros’ franchise.

I’ve analyzed and admired both of these players extensively. First on here with a pre-Spring Training post, as well as on my own Gattis fan blog, The White Bear Chronicles. What it all boils down to is that these two backstops break an outdated notion that catchers aren’t supposed to, or don’t even have to, hit well.

Let’s take a look at what they’ve done so far in 2017:

BMac Brings the Lumber! (122 Plate Appearances, 105 At-Bats)

  1. .276/.369/.467/.824 slash (Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, OPS)
  2. 6 HR, 25 RBI
  3. 13.1% BB (Walk Rate)
  4. 13.1% K (Strikeout Rate)
  5. .190 ISO 
  6. 129 wRC+
  7. 1.0 WAR

Gatty Gets It Done! (100 Plate Appearances, 87 At-Bats)

  1. .276/.360/.437/.797
  2. 3 HR, 18 RBI
  3. 9.0% BB
  4. 15% K
  5. .161 ISO
  6. 123 wRC+
  7. 0.5 WAR

As starter, McCann will get more starts behind the plate than Gattis will. After all, BMac does have the better defensive glove overall. But don’t be fooled, because El Oso Blanco knows how to call a game and frame a pitch, too!

Because of this dynamic, Hinch should consider starting Gattis more at both catcher and DH. When the Big White Bear isn’t behind the plate, he should get at least two starts a week as a DH and 2-3 as the backstop, depending on the number of games with opposing teams and the overall health of the current roster for the Houston Astros.

The high potential of Gattis remains in tact. But you can’t expect a player to get any better unless you play him. Especially, since Gattis has had a slumping May so far. The cure for that is more playing time!

This also means that Beltran will need to sit at least once each series. It’s scary to think about, but it can help this team get even further than it already is right now.

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