MLB PLAYER NEWS

Astros working on ways to keep Gattis in lineup

The Sports Xchange

March 02, 2015 at 3:50 pm.

The Astros are trying to find a spot for newly-acquired slugger Evan Gattis. (Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports)

Considering the return of incumbent catcher Jason Castro to the Houston Astros and the acquisition of well-regarded backstop Hank Conger, there was little reason to expect that Evan Gattis, primarily a catcher during his two seasons with the Atlanta Braves, would serve the same role with the Astros after the trade that brought Gattis to Houston on Jan. 14.

Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that suspicion recently by announcing that Gattis won’t catch this spring, which in turn diminishes the likelihood that he will catch this season.

Gattis, 28, was pursued because he produced isolated power numbers that would have ranked third in the National League last season (.230) and in 2013 (.237) if he had managed enough at-bats to qualify. He is destined to split time in left field, at first base and as the designated hitter.

Sorting through the glut of bodies at each position is the chore facing Hinch as spring training ramps up.

As presently constructed, the Astros have Jon Singleton returning at first base and slugger Chris Carter as the primary designated hitter. The club paid free agent Colby Rasmus $8 million to man an outfield slot, presumably alongside Jake Marisnick and George Springer.

The lack of available slots and the desire to keep Gattis’ bat in the lineup means someone has to go or Hinch must be mighty creative.

Working Gattis at multiple defensive spots will help alleviate some of the congestion. He has ordered a first baseman’s glove and is familiarizing himself with left field (Gattis has played just 48 games in left field in his two-year career).

Carter has played first base and left field; so, while the juggling might prove challenging if everyone is healthy, the opportunity does exist to keep most of the participants engaged daily.

Gattis entered camp prepared for the move and the acclimation process. After playing 213 games in 2013-14, his main focus at this stage is to remain healthy enough to play wherever and whenever his name is called.

“I tried to get a little bit strong and quicker while losing weight just so I can handle the outfield a little bit better,” Gattis said. “I’m moving better and my body feels (good), so a healthy spring is a good spring.”

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