Joey Loperfido is back with the Astros, and his latest opportunity comes with just 11 games remaining in the regular season and Houston trying to protect a one-game lead in the AL West.
The Astros recalled Loperfido from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday when outfielder Taylor Trammell was placed on the paternity list. Trammell is expected to rejoin the team in a couple of days, making Loperfido’s return potentially brief.
Loperfido did not appear in Tuesday night’s 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, but manager Joe Espada indicated the Astros are open to using him as they navigate the final stretch.
“He’s been playing well,” Espada said. “Opportunity to have him up here and use him in any way to help us win some games.”
Back After More Than Two Months
Loperfido began the season as Houston’s Opening Day left fielder, but his year did not unfold as hoped. A right quad strain sent him to the injured list in April, and he moved between Houston and Sugar Land after returning.
The Astros optioned him to Sugar Land on July 4. In 39 major-league games this season, Loperfido has hit .216/.314/.333 with an 84 OPS+.
His results at Triple-A have been considerably better. Loperfido hit .289 with a .766 OPS in 58 games for the Space Cowboys, and Espada said Tuesday that he has been playing well.
An Opportunity in the Final Stretch
Trammell had become a regular part of the Astros’ lineup before going on the paternity list, starting 10 of the previous 12 games, mostly in left field. He is hitting .204/.292/.353 with an 82 OPS+ in 91 games this season.
Trammell can remain on the paternity list for up to three days. Espada said Tuesday that Trammell’s family was doing well and that he expected the outfielder back in a couple of days.
For however long this stint lasts, Loperfido is back at a consequential time. Houston has 11 games left and little margin for error in the AL West race. After spending more than two months in Triple-A, he has another opportunity to contribute as the Astros try to hold onto the division lead.
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