Slugger José Abreu was optioned to the minor leagues today according to what was announced at a press conference by the General Manager of the Houston Astros, Dana Brown. Abreu who is not currently with the team will return to the West Palm Beach complex to continue working, as per a mutual agreement between both parties.
The General Manager highlighted the talents of the Cuban as a player, and the excellent human being that he is. The team hopes this approach will work and that he will make his return to the big club soon, according to the information by our sister page Pelota Cubana’s Astros beat writer, Javier González.
José Abreu no está con el equipo actualmente. Ambas partes decidieron de mutuo acuerdo que el cubano regresara West Palm Beach a seguir trabajando. Dana Brown resaltó las excelentes cualidades del cubano como jugador, y el excelente ser humano que es. Esperan que esto funcione. pic.twitter.com/aZ0Q3fUA5i
— Javier Gonzalez (@Astros_Coverage) April 30, 2024
Prospect Joey Loperfido was recently promoted to take Abreu’s spot on the roster after leading Houston’s Triple-A club Sugarland in home runs (13), runs scored (31) and slugging average (.713). He was also second on the team in OPS (.1106), fourth in RBIs (27) and has an OBP of .393. Loperfido started in leftfield and went 1-for-5 with two RBIs in his first action with the team.
Unfortunately, Abreu’s bad start linked to Loperfido’s excellent performance in Triple A led management to make this move. For his part, the infielder has had a forgettable start in 2024 hitting .099 with three RBIs in 71 trips to the plate. In the second year of a three year deal he will make 19.5 million.