MLB2 hours ago2 minute read

Houston Astros Lose Outfielder Daulton Varsho for Entire Postseason

Houston Astros center fielder Daulton Varsho is out for the postseason after undergoing wrist surgery on Tuesday.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Season Over for Varsho

The Houston Astros will have to play the rest of the year without center fielder Daulton Varsho. The team announced that Varsho underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist on Tuesday. This medical procedure means he is sidelined for the entire postseason.

The Astros shared this update on Wednesday, just before Game 2 of their American League Wild Card series against the Chicago White Sox. Varsho was left off the active roster for this series because his wrist injury became increasingly problematic down the stretch of the regular season.

Outfield Injuries Mount

Houston has dealt with multiple injuries in the outfield recently. Before his surgery, Varsho was initially replaced on the roster by Brice Matthews. However, Matthews also ended up on the injured list.

With both players out, Lucas Spence got the start in center field for Game 1 of the series. The Astros lost that opening game to Chicago. Spence is slated to start in center field once again for Game 2 on Wednesday.

What the Astros Are Missing

The 30 year old Varsho joined Houston after being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline. He struggled to find his rhythm at the plate after the trade. In 41 games with the Astros, he hit just .172 with five home runs.

Even with his batting struggles, Varsho brought major value to the team. His Gold Glove level defense was widely seen as a big upgrade for the Houston outfield.

He also brought valuable playoff experience. He was a regular player for the Blue Jays last season, a team that finished just one win shy of a World Series championship. Varsho still has one year of arbitration eligibility remaining on his service time clock.

What it means for the next game

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros (MLB, Wed, 30 Sep): Houston Astros win 54%, Chicago White Sox win 46%; projected score Houston Astros 4, Chicago White Sox 4. Our safest pick: White Sox +3.5.

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros (MLB, Thu, 01 Oct): Houston Astros win 44%, Chicago White Sox win 56%; projected score Houston Astros 4, Chicago White Sox 5. Our safest pick: Astros +2.5.