As the Houston Astros gear up for what they hope is another long postseason run to defend their World Series Championship from last season, manager Dusty Baker is working to configure his ideal playoff lineup. Chas McCormick, who has stood out in limited action this season, has been a controversial topic of discussion.
Despite only playing in 95 games thus far this season, McCormick has a .289 batting average with 20 home runs and 63 runs batted in. His excellent performance at the plate has left several members of the Astros organization questioning why McCormick has not become a daily fixture in the Astros lineup.
Per Chandler from The Athletic, McCormick’s weight "has become a talking point for Baker." Baker was asked on Wednesday if McCormick’s lack of playing time has anything to do with his weight and he adamantly denied the reports.
"No, why [would] you even ask that?" Baker added: "As long as it doesn’t affect your performance, then it’s not really that much of a concern."
According to McCormick himself, he weighs 220 pounds (compared to 214 pounds last season). McCormick stated that he thinks his game is better suited for his current weight. "I feel I can do more being at 220… I kind of like being where I’m at right now," said McCormick.
Whatever the reason may be, this is a situation worth monitoring as the Astros inch closer to the 2023 MLB Playoffs.
