Astros Call Up Infield Prospect Dezenzo Amid Struggles
In an effort to rejuvenate their faltering lineup, the Houston Astros have called up promising infield prospect Zach Dezenzo. The move comes as the Astros have faced a challenging stretch, losing nine of their last 14 games, leaving them 1 1/2 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the competitive AL West. Adding to the urgency, Houston is trailing the third wild-card spot by five games.
Dezenzo, 24, was the Astros' 12th round pick in the 2022 draft. Despite a wrist injury that delayed the start of his 2024 season until early June, Dezenzo has quickly showcased his potential. Last year, he impressed with a .305/.383/.531 slash line, hitting 18 home runs and stealing 22 bases across High Class-A and Double-A. This season, in just 11 games at Triple-A, Dezenzo hit an astounding .391/.472/.739 with four home runs. His early success caught the attention of the Astros' front office, earning him a deserved promotion.
The call-up of Dezenzo comes at a crucial time as Houston grapples with subpar production from their first basemen. Collectively, Astros' first basemen have struggled, hitting .203/.269/.321 with only 12 home runs in 2024. The primary first baseman, Jonathan Singleton, managed a .230/.311/.354 line after taking over the role following José Abreu's release in mid-June. Given the dire need for an offensive boost, the Astros are banking on Dezenzo to inject some much-needed firepower into their lineup.
Though Dezenzo has spent most of his professional career at third base, his versatility allows the Astros the flexibility to slot him in at first base, a position that has been a point of weakness this season. The team hopes that his impressive offensive numbers in the minors will translate to the major league level, providing a spark as the Astros embark on a tough nine-game road trip through Boston and Tampa.
Adding to the drama, the Astros recently endured a walk-off loss to the Texas Rangers, a reminder of the razor-thin margins in their quest for a playoff spot. Every game is critical as they seek to close the gap in the standings and secure a postseason berth.
For Zach Dezenzo, this call-up represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The young infielder has shown he has the talent to succeed, and now he must prove he can handle the pressure of major league competition. Should he continue his torrid hitting pace, Dezenzo could provide the offensive lift Houston needs to reverse their recent fortunes and make a strong push in the playoff race.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for the Astros. With a promising prospect like Dezenzo joining the roster, there is cautious optimism in Houston. The team and its fans will be watching closely as he takes to the field, hoping his bat can help turn the tide in their favor.