Houston Astros recall Jose Abreu from Triple-A despite disastrous 2024 campaign, demote Joey Loperfido

2024 has been a year to forget for All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu. The 2020 American League MVP has been a shell of himself this season for the Houston Astros, which led to the team sending him down to the minor leagues.

The 37-year-old was demoted to the rookie-level Florida Complex League as the team wanted to completely give their veteran a chance to reset himself. Now, after making only 7 at-bats in Triple-A, the Houston Astros have promoted Jose Abreu back to the MLB.

"José Abreu was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land and Joey Loperfido was optioned out." - @Chandler_Rome

The decision by the Houston Astros to promote Abreu is a tad surprising given his struggles earlier this season, as well as the fact that he went hitless at Triple-A Sugar Land. Prior to his demotion to rookie-level ball, Abreu posted a dreadful .099 batting average with 6 runs scored, 3 RBIs, and no home runs.

It remains to be seen if the work he put in at the minor league level will turn things around for him in his return to the MLB, however, this could be his last opportunity with the club. Although he remains under contract through the end of the 2025 season, the Astros could opt to cut ties with the former Chicago White Sox MVP.

Houston demoted Joey Loperfido in order to bring Jose Abreu back into the fold

In a corresponding move, the Houston Astros decided to option Joey Loperfido back to the minor leagues, opening a roster spot for Jose Abreu. This is yet another puzzling decision from the Astros front office given Loperfido's success during his brief stint in the majors.

"The Astros are rewarding Joey Loperfido’s play in the show with an option, and rewarding Jose Abreu’s lack of any tangible progress in is assignment with a return to the show. Make it make sense." - @JamesRoyNFL

Although Joey Loperfido only appeared in 14 games for the Houston Astros this season, he was more than impressive, which makes the decision more confusing. Even though Astros manager Joe Espada said that the demotion was related to a playing time logjam, demoting the promising 25-year-old for a struggling Abreu is not something that will go over well with the team's fans.