It’s been a disastrous start for the Houston Astros, and their heralded 2023 free-agent acquisition is heading to the team’s spring training facility to figure things out.
Jose Abreu was optioned to the Astros complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, as he attempts to recover amid a putrid slump that saw him record seven hits in 71 at-bats (.099 AVG).
Abreu is under contract with the Astros on a three-year $58.5 million fully guaranteed deal that he signed as a free agent prior to the 2023 season.
The seemingly failing free agent acquisition forced the Astros to call up prospect Joey Loperfido in an attempt to spark the sputtering team.
Houston is 10-19 and in last place in the AL West entering Wednesday’s slate despite having won three straight games.
Still, Astros general manager Dana Brown told The Post’s Jon Heyman that they are “not worried.”
Prior to the quick three-game win streak, the Astros had lost eight of their last nine.
The team has looked out of sorts since the Yankees pulled off a four-game sweep to kick off the season.
Abreu started his Astros career with an average right at the Mendoza line (.208) until he heated up in June, ending the year with a .237 average and 90 RBIs.
Abreu is not the only concerning bat in their lineup.
Third baseman Alex Bregman has also struggled throughout the season, hitting .216 on the year and failing to hit a home run until he broke the streak Tuesday against the Guardians.
And now the team is left to pick up the pieces of a controversial dynasty that could be on the downside.
Their offense isn’t the major issue, as it profiles as an above-average lineup with strong OPS and batting average numbers.
It’s Houston’s pitching staff that has fallen off a cliff in 2024, with a terrible 5.01 ERA and allowing the most walks in the American League (122).
Last year, Astros pitchers had the eighth-best ERA (3.94).
They figure to be relying heavily on 41-year-old Justin Verlander, who has looked excellent in two starts since starting the season on the IL.
If they don’t turn it around, the Astros could face excruciating trade deadline questions.
