From Newsweek · Ben Watanabe · · 1m 30s
Correa's third infield stop of the season
Houston's Gold Glove shortstop is taking grounders at second base, a spot he has never played in 12 big league years.
In brief
Houston's Gold Glove shortstop is taking grounders at second base, a spot he has never played in 12 big league years. Correa's glove upgrades second or third, but the Astros have to get the fit right on the first try because there is no time left to experiment. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Back soon, but where
Correa has been out since May with an ankle injury and could return within a couple of weeks. At 31, he may come back to a third different infield position this season.
Taking grounders at second
Rehabbing in Florida, he worked out at second base, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. He won the Platinum Glove at shortstop in 2021, moved to third last season, and has never played an inning at second.
Paredes stays at third
Isaac Paredes has been Houston's best position player, with 3.9 WAR and 21 home runs. Keeping him at his spot is the easy call.
“Paredes has been Houston's best position player this season”
Altuve's glove has slipped
At 36, Jose Altuve has aged into one of the worst defensive second basemen in baseball. Correa is better than both him and Paredes, so either landing spot helps.
“the Astros can't lose with his glove at either spot”
The Yordan problem
Sliding Altuve to designated hitter pushes Yordan Alvarez into left field. The big slugger would take on more wear and tear out there.
No room to experiment
Houston may need to win the AL West to reach October, with Texas right there. Whatever they do with Correa has to work immediately.
“There is no room to experiment.”
The essence
Correa's glove upgrades second or third, but the Astros have to get the fit right on the first try because there is no time left to experiment.
