Call to the pen
Fansided

Shoe finally drops with Niko Goodrum and Houston Astros

By David Hill

May 7, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Niko Goodrum (11) looks at the replay as the Astros play against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Niko Goodrum (11) looks at the replay as the Astros play against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was a matter of time before something happened. The Houston Astros had acquired Mauricio Dubon on Saturday as they sought to strengthen their overall depth. Neither Aledyms Diaz nor Niko Goodrum had lived up to expectations thus far in 2022, and as their starting middle infield is dealing with minor injuries, the Astros needed more.

This also meant that the time had come for someone on their roster. That happened on Sunday as the Astros optioned Goodrum to Triple-A.

Houston Astros make needed move with Niko Goodrum

There was a time when Goodrum seemed to be a part of the Tigers’ future. He put together a solid .247/.319/.427 batting line in his 964 plate appearances between 2018 and 2019, hitting 28 homers and 56 doubles. Goodrum’s defensive versatility made him even more valuable, as he saw time at every position aside from pitcher and catcher in that two year span.

However, his bat had slipped over the past two seasons. While he was still valuable as a utility option for Detroit, he was no longer a part of their future core. The Tigers decided not to tender him a contract during the offseason, making him a free agent. For the Astros, his $2.1 million contract appeared to be a bargain given his production in the not-so-distant past.

That was not the case. Goodrum’s production fell off even further during his time in Houston, as he produced a .116/.156/.163 batting line in his 45 plate appearances, leading to a Bill Bergen-esque -5 OPS+. His defense was unable to save him, as he was slightly below average at both first and second this year.

It is possible that Goodrum can resurrect his career. Heading down to Sugar Land could be a wake-up call and get him back on track. Or it could be the beginning of the end of his time in the majors as it is beginning to be fair to wonder if he will ever recapture the form he showed in 2018 and 2019.

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The writing was on the wall with Niko Goodrum and the Houston Astros. It should not be a surprise that he was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday.

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