The Houston Astros offense has been incredibly impressive in the month of August.
Everybody is healthy and producing: Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Chas McCormick, Kyle Tucker, Yainer Diaz, and others are in their best stretches of the season, and the team has routinely scored over 10 runs per game this month.
However, getting even better, no matter how good you are, is always a possibility.
The Astros are about to add another top hitter to their lineup.
“The Astros activated Michael Brantley off the injured list and optioned Corey Julks to Triple-A. Jake Cousins was DFAd to clear a spot on the 40-man roster,” Astros insider Chandler Rome tweeted.
The Astros activated Michael Brantley off the injured list and optioned Corey Julks to Triple-A. Jake Cousins was DFAd to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 29, 2023
He has missed all of 2023 to this point while rehabbing from shoulder surgery, with a couple of setbacks that have delayed his debut.
All of that is in the past now, though: when healthy, Brantley is a perfectly solid hitter capable of posting an OPS of .800 or more.
He won’t hit many home runs, but few players in MLB have the extensive knowledge of the strike zone Brantley boasts.
He is a career .298/.356/.439 hitter with a .794 OPS.
During his rehab assignment in Triple-A, Brantley hit .298/.453/.447 in 16 games and 47 at-bats.
His most impressive stat?
15 walks to just one strikeout.
In a lineup that has so many home run artists, getting the disciplined Brantley back will give pitchers another top hitter to worry about.
The Astros are in the middle of a fierce fight with the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers for the AL West division, so all the help they can get will be welcomed.
Brantley certainly qualifies as an excellent addition.
NEXT: The Astros Offense Is Having A Unique Month Of August
