Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez suffered a rib injury on May 13, and he was placed on the disabled list on May 17. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
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Gomez Comments on Injury
Tuesday, May 17
Gomez told reporters he had been hoping to avoid a stint on the DL after hurting his ribs on Friday.
Gomez Hoping to Find Swing After Slow Start
Gomez, 30, had a rough start to the 2016 season, as he hit under .200 for much of April. He’s now batting .182 with no home runs and five RBI in 34 games. Those struggles mirrored that of the Astros in general, as the club was dreadful to open the season.
Houston acquired Gomez last season before the trade deadline, and he helped lead the Astros to the playoffs, though he hit just .242 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 41 contests. His 12 total home runs between the Milwaukee Brewers and Astros were his fewest since 2011, though he did play in just 115 games last year.
He was better in the postseason, ripping off two home runs and three RBI in six October games.
Gomez, one of the game’s more colorful players, remains one of the most important players in Houston’s lineup alongside burgeoning superstar Carlos Correa, established star Jose Altuve and a solid supporting cast that includes Colby Rasmus, George Springer and Luis Valbuena.
The Astros shouldn’t lose too much production with Gomez out of action, as Preston Tucker—who often serves as the team’s designated hitter—will likely slide into the outfield. But getting Gomez back in the lineup as quickly as possible—and getting him hot down the stretch—will be crucial for the team as it tries to return to the postseason again this year.
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