3 Astros Players Who Need to Step up in Wake of Justin Verlander and Yordan Alvarez Injuries

The Houston Astros had enough crap to deal with this Spring Training after they were exposed as cheaters over the last few seasons, and now they have to manage potentially lingering injuries to superstar Justin Verlander and 2019 Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez. If either of these two heavyweights struggle to get back to full strength, these three Astros will be forced into roles of prominence. If they fail to step up, Houston could crash and burn early in this season.

3. INF Aledmys Diaz

With Alvarez on the mend, Diaz might have to take most of the at-bats at DH or fill in for whomever is named the DH in the field. Diaz originally planned to be deployed in a "super utility" role given his versatility in the field, but an Alvarez injury could force him to make the transition from backup to starter. Which Diaz will we get? The All-Star we saw in St. Louis, or the disappointment we witnessed in Toronto?

2. OF Kyle Tucker

Tucker has been a top prospect for what seems like an eternity, but he has yet to put together anything that resembles top prospect production over the last two seasons. After avoiding a trade last year, Tucker will get his last chance to prove his worth. If he struggles to drive the ball in his first shot at extended playing time, he could find himself playing somewhere else in 2020.

1. SP Lance McCullers

McCullers didn't pitch last season due to Tommy John Surgery, but he still figured to be the No. 3 starter in Houston behind Verlander and Zack Greinke. McCullers will move up to the No. 2 spit if Verlander is out for an extended period of time, which means the Astros will learn the hard way if he still has that strikeout stuff and command of his exceptional curveball. Houston could easily stumble out of the gates if McCullers fails to hit the ground running.