How Will Carlos Correa’s Return Affect the Astros’ Lineup

The Houston Astros had to navigate injuries all season long. Their pitching staff thinned throughout the season, and their infield took a hit when they lost Carlos Correa. 

Correa reportedly suffered an ankle injury during pregame batting practice before the victory against the ​​Los Angeles Dodgers. After further review, it was decided that Correa needed surgery and would likely be out for the season. 

At the time, other key players on the injured list included Yainer Diaz (left oblique strain), Joey Loperfido (right quad strain), and Jake Meyers (right oblique strain), while Jeremy Peña was still working his way back from a hamstring injury.

There were a few times throughout the season when it looked like he might make it back before the end of the season, but we won't see him again until 2027. 

The injury also created a ripple effect across the infield, and Isaac Paredes stepped up and became a key piece. 

For Correa, this was one of the toughest setbacks of his career. Beyond the injury itself, it was a frustrating hit for a player who came back to Houston to help lead this team. 

With the infield expected to be healthy, what will their lineup look like for 2027?

Correa played both shortstop and third base this year before the injury. At one point, Peña and Correa were both injured at the same time, giving Nick Allen, whose natural position is shortstop, some time there. But with everyone healthy, where do you fit all these players?

Let’s start with Yordan Alvarez, who is the designated hitter most frequently but has expressed wanting more time in left field. Opening up the DH spot by moving Alvarez to LF is one way to make more room, but that would bump Taylor Trammell from time to time. 

If Alvarez becomes a regular left fielder, who takes over at DH? Likely Isaac Paredes or Carlos Correa. With Paredes holding things down at third and Correa coming back from an ankle injury, moving Correa to DH would make sense. Paredes did a great job at third, and moving Correa to DH reduces the physical demands of playing defense, lowering the risk of injury. 

Correa is versatile and can also play shortstop, but Peña has shortstop covered, and if he needs a break, they have Nick Allen. While things change and players can get injured, one possible shift would give Alvarez what he wants: more time in LF, but Trammell would get bumped. So Correa for Trammell could be a real possibility.