Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Takes advantage of rare start
Rotowire
Dezenzo went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, two runs scored and an RBI on Monday against the Blue Jays.
Dezenzo was in the lineup for only the fifth time this season and for the first time since April 12. He smacked an RBI double in the fifth inning to get Houston on the board and is now 4-for-18 on the campaign.
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Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Cracks Opening Day roster
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Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Dezenzo has made the Opening Day roster, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
With Christian Walker (oblique) expected to be fine for Opening Day and Jose Altuve and Cam Smith claiming the corner outfield jobs, Dezenzo wouldn't appear to be in line for regular time. His bat has potential, however, making him worth keeping an eye on should circumstances push him into the lineup.
Dezenzo (jaw) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
After being struck in the face by a groundball Tuesday, Dezenzo was diagnosed with a TMJ sprain. However, he was cleared of a concussion and will be able to make a quick turnaround, continuing his bid for a roster spot. The 24-year-old is having a great spring, batting .378 with three doubles, two homers and six RBI across 15 exhibition games.
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Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Expected to play Thursday
Rotowire
Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Dezenzo (jaw) is expected to return to Grapefruit League action Thursday versus the Marlins, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Dezenzo suffered a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball Tuesday. He will undergo concussion testing just to be safe, but the expectation is that he will be fine. Dezenzo is competing for a reserve role with Houston.
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Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Suffers TMJ sprain
Rotowire
Dezenzo was diagnosed with a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Washington, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Interestingly, Dezenzo's left side took the most damage even though he was hit on the right side of his face. The 24-year-old was also evaluated and cleared for a concussion, and he's slated to undergo further testing on his jaw Wednesday. Dezenzo has been great in spring training so far, slashing .378/.415/.615 with two homers and six RBI through 39 plate appearances.
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Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Hit in head, exits game
Rotowire
Dezenzo exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after getting hit in the head by a groundball, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Dezenzo was able to walk off the field on his own, though he was visibly bothered by his jaw after getting hit. The Astros will take a look at him to make sure he didn't suffer any significant damage and should offer an update on his status relatively soon.
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Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Versatility could land roster spot
Rotowire
Dezenzo could make the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Dezenzo has racked up 33 at-bats and 34 plate appearances this spring while playing a combination of first base and both corner outfield spots. He's struck out at a 26.5 percent clip but also has four extra-base hits, and manager Joe Espada has noted the positive overall impression Dezenzo has made on the club. Even so, the status of Christian Walker (oblique) could ultimately dictate Dezenzo's fate to begin the campaign.
Astros' Zach Dezenzo: Will play left field this spring
Rotowire
Astros manager Joe Espada said Saturday at the team's FanFest event that Dezenzo will play a lot in left field during spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
An infielder by trade, Dezenzo's experience in left field is limited, though he did start three games there last season at Triple-A Sugar Land and played eight games in the outfield in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Left field currently looks to be Dezenzo's best shot at playing time with the Astros, although that could change if Jose Altuve moves there to accommodate the signing of Alex Bregman.
The Astros recalled Dezenzo from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
He's taking the roster spot vacated by fellow rookie Shay Whitcomb, who was sent down. Dezenzo has slashed only .212/.255/.308 with one home run in 17 games with the Astros this season. It's possible he'll get a little playing time versus lefties over the final weekend.
