Astros option struggling Abreu to work on timing

The Houston Astros are optioning struggling first baseman José Abreu to their spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, general manager Dana Brown announced Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

The goal is to allow Abreu an opportunity "to get some at-bats and his timing back right," Brown added.

Abreu has struggled since joining the Astros on a three-year, $58.5-million contract ahead of the 2023 campaign. The 37-year-old had just seven hits across 71 at-bats this season with zero home runs, one double, and three RBIs.

"It's definitely a rare thing, but it tells you that much more about the human being," Brown said, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "He was frustrated. He was wearing it."

The Astros promoted prospect Joey Loperfido on Monday after the slugger hit 13 home runs in 25 Triple-A games. Loperfido is capable of playing first base and could also handle opportunities in the outfield.

Veteran Jon Singleton will start at first base in Houston's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. Brown added that he didn't think it would be "fair" to Loperfido to immediately install him as the club's everyday first baseman, per Kawahara.