The Houston Astros are in a do-or-die situation, needing a win to keep their season alive in the Wild Card Series, but as of 3:32 p.m. EDT, their Game 2 lineup remains a complete mystery. Unlike their opponents, the Chicago White Sox, who dropped their full lineup early today with Sam Antonacci, Kyle Teel, Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, Andrew Benintendi, Tristan Peters, Chase Meidroth, Braden Montgomery, and Colson Montgomery, Houston is holding their cards close to the vest. What gives?
The Lineup Mystery Deepens
This isn’t some strategic mind game, folks. There’s a real, concerning reason for the delay. Brian McTaggart from MLB.com spilled the beans on X, reporting, “Astros have yet to put out a lineup because they’re waiting on the health of a player.” Talk about a gut punch when you’re facing elimination! The plot thickens because Nick Allen was seen taking grounders at third pregame. That’s a huge hint, isn’t it? It points directly to an issue at the hot corner.
Is It Paredes, Or Is It Worse?
Naturally, the speculation immediately turns to third baseman Isaac Paredes. If Paredes is sidelined, Allen could slot in at third, and Yordan Alvarez would stay locked in at designated hitter. That’s a plausible scenario. But let’s be real, the worst-case scenario looms large, and it’s enough to make any fan sweat. An injury to Alvarez would be absolutely devastating for Houston. This guy isn’t just a slugger; he’s the clear favorite to win the AL MVP. Losing him in an elimination game would be a catastrophic blow. Houston’s fans are stuck in limbo, just waiting for the shoe to drop and see what their Game 2 lineup actually looks like. The answer has to come very soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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