OAKLAND, California — Houston Astros first baseman José Abreu is expected to rejoin the club Monday in Seattle after an extended stay in the minor leagues to regain his rhythm with the ball.
The Cuban, Most Valuable Player of the American League in 2020, was loaned this month to the franchise’s preseason facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. He joined the Sugar Land team in Triple A on Friday, where he will spend at least two games.
Puerto Rican manager Joe Espada said it has not yet been determined whether he would play again on Sunday before going to Seattle or if he would travel before the Cowboys game.
Houston will play a four-game series against the Mariners starting Monday.
“The plan is to bring him in for the series in Seattle and just come in with confidence,” Espada said. “He’s made adjustments that we think will help him, and we hope he comes back here and just be himself. Let’s help you find your rhythm. We all hope for it. Our players are excited and so are we to have him back. We are looking forward to your arrival.”
Abreu, in the second season of a three-year, $58.5 million contract, is in his 11th year in the major leagues. He hits .099 with just one extra-base hit and three RBIs.
In 77 at-bats over 22 games this season, he has just seven hits.
He hit .237 with 18 homers and 90 RBIs last year, his first in Houston after spending nine seasons with the Chicago White Sox. With the Astros, Abreu has four home runs and 13 RBIs in 11 postseason games.
Dana Brown, general manager of the Astros, assured that the decision to send Abreu to the minors was collective, after a meeting.
Brown, the player, the coaches and members of management participated in the meeting.
Abreu was the 2014 American League Rookie of the Year. He has been selected to the All-Star Game three times and has won the Silver Slugger three times.
