In a bid to reignite their struggling offense, the Houston Astros have called up infield prospect Zach Dezenzo. The move comes at a critical juncture as the Astros have dropped nine of their last 14 games, placing them 1 1/2 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West and trailing the third wild-card spot by five games.
Dezenzo’s Rapid Rise
Zach Dezenzo, a 24-year-old infield prospect, was drafted by the Astros in the 12th round of the 2022 draft. Despite suffering a wrist injury that delayed his 2024 season start until early June, Dezenzo has made quite the impact in the limited time he has been on the field. Last year, he showcased his potential by slashing .305/.383/.531 with 18 home runs and 22 stolen bases across High Class-A and Double-A. This season, he has continued his momentum, posting an impressive .391/.472/.739 with four home runs in just 11 games at Triple-A.
Primarily spending his professional career at third base, Dezenzo's call-up couldn’t come at a more opportune time for the Astros, who have been witnessing dismal production from their first basemen. In 2024, the Astros' first basemen collectively hit a paltry .203/.269/.321 with only 12 home runs. Jonathan Singleton, who took over the primary first base duties after José Abreu was released in mid-June, has managed only a .230/.311/.354 line.
Desperate Times for the Astros
The timing of Dezenzo's promotion also coincides with a challenging stretch for the Astros, who recently endured a heartbreaking walk-off loss to the Texas Rangers on Monday. Moreover, they are currently navigating a nine-game road trip through Boston and Tampa, making the urgency to improve their lineup ever more pressing.
As the Astros look to secure a spot in the playoffs, the addition of Dezenzo not only provides them with a potential power boost but also adds depth to their infield. The organization's faith in his abilities is evident through this significant mid-season call-up, a clear sign that they are willing to reshuffle the deck to make a strong finish to their campaign.
Whether Dezenzo can maintain his high performance at the major league level remains to be seen, but his track record suggests he has the tools necessary to make an immediate impact. The young infielder has already proven his resilience by overcoming a wrist injury, and his stellar performance in Triple-A may be the spark the Astros need to regain their footing in the fiercely competitive AL West.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dezenzo to see if he can replicate his minor league success and help propel the Astros back into contention. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, the Astros have taken a decisive step in addressing their offensive woes by pinning their hopes on a promising young talent.