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Jed Lowrie’s Return Exactly what Houston Astros Need

By Josh Sippie

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The Houston Astros signed Jed Lowrie this off-season to play shortstop until Carlos Correa was ready to take the role and literally never give it up (unless he moves to third base). However, now that Carlos Correa has already taken the role and looks to …. literally never give it up (unless he moves to third base), where does that leave Jed Lowrie upon his return?

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Astros GM Jeff Luhnow insists that Jed Lowrie will still be a major contributor to his club (via CBSSports) but how can he be if he does not have a place to play?

The Astros have a couple of options. Jed Lowrie was one of the team’s top performers before he got hurt and it was at a time when not a lot of guys were hitting. Lowrie is going to be returning to a much better, much younger lineup that seemingly has no place for him. Therefore the first option is to trade him. Although the Astros needed starting pitching at one time, they have filled the need with prospects from their own system. That does not mean that more pitching would not help.

You can never have enough pitching.

Plenty of teams out there need a shortstop and Jed Lowrie is a proven one. The Astros would easily be able to get a starting rotation guy and maybe some prospects to boot.

But if Luhnow insists that Lowrie will contribute, who are we to doubt? The Astros need someone who hits for average and does not strike out much and Jed Lowrie certainly provides that, so where can Houston fit him?

Well, shortstop is a cluster. Even Jonathan Villar was hitting well in the spot before being demoted and with Carlos Correa raking at the ripe age of 20, why would he move?

At third base, Luis Valbuena is steadily turning into Chris Carter as his power numbers are absolutely skyrocketing while his batting average, strangely, is not. However, the Astros have shown an affinity for power at the expense of average and strikeouts and Valbuena has that.

Comparing Lowrie to Valbuena is like comparing an apple to an orange. They are nearly polar opposites and that variety could provide for excellent internal competition as well as a chance to rotate players and keep them fresh and on top of their game.

Not only that, but with Carlos Correa set to move to third base at some time, he could very easily rotate there as well to gain some experience. Jed Lowrie could feasibly play second base as well if Jose Altuve‘s hamstring keeps acting up.

Essentially, Jed Lowrie can be a much more effective Marwin Gonzalez and find plenty of playing time. And this appears to be the best option. His consistency and versatility coupled with his lack of strikeouts and ability to put the ball in play make him a perfect super-utility man to hit anywhere in the lineup.

Next: What were the Cardinals doing Hacking the Astros?

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