Astros' Yulieski Gurriel: Leaves MLB debut with hamstring injury
Gurriel's MLB debut ended on a low note, as he was removed from Sunday's game against the Orioles in the eighth inning due to tightness in his right hamstring, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.
Batting sixth and serving as the designated hitter, Gurriel had a hard-hit single, a walk and a groundout in his three plate appearances, but was then replaced by Tony Kemp. Gurriel said he may be fine for Monday's game in Pittsburgh, but Astros manager A.J. Hinch hinted that the 32-year-old Cuban slugger could be held out of the lineup even if he's healthy enough to play, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. While expected to be a regular member of the starting lineup, Gurriel may be squeezed out during Houston's upcoming three-game series in an NL ballpark. It's still unclear how this will all work out from a defensive perspective, as Gurriel only played third base and second base over the past decade in the Cuban and Japanese leagues. 22-year-old top prospect Alex Bregman is capable of playing left field, but it's tough to justify a move from third base to a non-premium position, given that he's yet to make an error in 24 starts at the hot corner. Gurriel may just end up getting most of his at-bats as the DH, with Evan Gattis then playing more left field and/or catcher. Looking beyond this season, the Astros will probably want Gurriel to play left field and/or first base.
