PT TOMORROW: AL West—The Gurriel Factor

Houston Astros

Simply put, the signing of Cuban import Yulieski Gurriel's (3B, HOU) complicates the playing time outlook after mid-August, the most current ETA offered by the Astros as to his likely MLB readiness.

It also adds another layer of uncertainty to the expected call-up of uber-rookie Alex Bregman (SS/3B, HOU), whose marauding of high-minors pitchers now continues unchecked in Triple-A. Bregman's six HR (.362 BA through 58 AB) at AAA-Fresno give him 20 on the year in less than 300 AB. His 45/36 BB/K to date between AA and AAA point to a polished hitter that could have an immediate MLB impact. A shortstop by trade, Bregman has been getting reps at third base in anticipation of playing there in HOU. 

Gurriel also projects as the...

Almost!

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