Astros Demote Former AL MVP to Minor Leagues After Protracted Slump to Start Season

It would be really hard to script a worse start to a season than José Abreu’s initial 22 game titles of 2024.

A calendar year soon after a strong-if-not-breathtaking very first time with the Houston Astros, Abreu is slashing .099/.156/.113 with no home operates and 3 RBI in 22 games. The Astros are battling as nicely, with a record of 9-19 relegating them to the American League West’s basement.

On Tuesday, Houston took a drastic phase. In accordance to common supervisor Dana Brown, the Astros and Abreu have agreed on a demotion to the FCL Astros of the Florida Elaborate League in West Palm Seaside, Fla. “to get (Abreu) some at-bats and his timing again suitable.”

Abreu, 37, has been a constant performer due to the fact debuting for the Chicago White Sox in 2014. He completed fourth in the AL MVP voting right after a sensational rookie year, and was named the AL’s MVP pursuing the pandemic-shortened 2020 year.

Houston signed Abreu to a three-12 months, $59 million contract in Nov. 2022. The Astros open up a 3-activity collection from the Cleveland Guardians Tuesday in Texas.