Jesús Sánchez’s stint in Houston has shown why the Astros traded for him, then knocked him back on a rough run. After a 7-for-25 burst in six games, Sánchez went 0-for-21 to begin a homestand, yet flashed upside with two outfield robberies that underscored his defensive value. Houston has kept him in the upper half of the order as it waits for Yordan Álvarez and Jake Meyers to return, a signal that Sánchez’s bat remains a cornerstone of the lineup. His own comments about feeling "weird" in the box hint at a mental hurdle more than a swing issue, something manager Joe Espada acknowledged while stressing patience and a relaxed approach. The club is trying to lift the ball more, a trend reflected in early-season metrics that underscore a need for more loft and fewer grounders.
Entering a series against Detroit, the Astros’ plan is to keep Sánchez engaged and not press him to carry the lineup, even as the rest of the order fires up around him. The matchup against Detroit’s right-hander Jack Flaherty in the opener adds a potential rebound spot, especially if Sánchez can put together a few quality at-bats and flip his swing path toward line drives. From a fantasy angle, Sánchez is a classic buy-low candidate if Houston sustains its emphasis on elevated contact and if Álvarez and Meyers help unlock run-scoring opportunities in the middle of the lineup. Look for a quick reaction from Sánchez if he can string together a couple of strong at-bats early in the Tigers series.
Rest-of-season expectations hinge on consistency and the ability to capitalize on lineup protection. With Álvarez (and Meyers) returning, Sánchez could see more favorable pitches to hit and more RBI chances, provided his swing changes translate into loft and barreled contact rather than mere contact. If he can trim the swing-and-miss rate and maintain a steady exit velocity, the combination of Houston’s depth and his defensive versatility gives him a path to steady fantasy relevance, especially in daily formats that reward batting-average buoyancy and occasional power.
