Astros could turn to rookie in left field

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HOUSTON -- With slugger Yordan Alvarez expected to get most of his at-bats at designated hitter this season, the topic of who’s going to play left field for the Astros has been on the front burner in recent days.

Second baseman Jose Altuve said he’d be willing to play left field if the Astros re-sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, which would allow them to shift Isaac Paredes to second base.

Another option for left field is prospect Zach Dezenzo, who spent a month playing winter ball in Puerto Rico to get more at-bats and some reps in left field. Dezenzo, ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Astros’ No. 6 prospect, has played mostly third base in the Minor Leagues, along with some time at second and first base. He was a shortstop when he played at Ohio State University.

While in Puerto Rico, Dezenzo played eight games in left field, 10 at first base and one at third base. The Astros have since signed Christian Walker to play first base, but there remains a real opportunity for Dezenzo to make the club as a contributor in left field.

“The whole goal for me going out there was to get reps in the outfield and get more at-bats,” Dezenzo said. “As you guys know, I missed some games earlier last season [with a wrist injury]. I was in rehab until mid-June. And getting those at-bats, continuing to play, was big. I get better when I’m playing. So I think being in those game environments, atmosphere and situation was good for me.”

Dezenzo, 24, was 15-for-62 (.242) in his first taste of the Major Leagues last season. In 52 Minor League games across three levels, he posted a slash line of .299/.385/.492 with seven home runs and 17 doubles. In 73 plate appearances in Puerto Rico, Dezenzo slashed .361/.438/.410.

“The competition in Puerto Rico was great,” Dezenzo said. “I think it was just about on par from what I was seeing in the Minor Leagues. Just being able to roll from the season and play some more games in winter and just continue to work on my craft was good.”

The Astros have Gold Glove finalist Jake Meyers penciled in as their starting center fielder for 2025 and Chas McCormick set to start in right field as Kyle Tucker’s replacement. Houston traded for Taylor Trammell to be in the outfield mix, as well.

“Last year, when I spoke to [reporters] at this time, I could kind of envision who was going to start in center, right and left,” manager Joe Espada said on Saturday. “I think it’s a little bit different this year.”

Espada spent some time in Puerto Rico in November watching Dezenzo and No. 4 prospect Brice Matthews, who was a teammate of Dezenzo and split time between second base and third base. The team was managed by Ricky Rivera, who will take over as Houston’s manager at Double-A Corpus Christi this year. Quality control coach Jason Bell was also on the staff.

“Zach Dezenzo played some really good left field there,” Espada said. “I think he’s someone who is going to go to spring, and I’m going to give him some looks in the outfield. I already had that conversation with him. I really like his potential, his athleticism, his bat.”

Dezenzo said he’s been working at home in Columbus, Ohio, since returning from Puerto Rico, splitting time in left field, third base and first base.

“I think there are spots definitely up for competing for,” he said. “I have the full intention of going into camp with that mindset -- [to] prove myself and earn a spot, wherever that is.”