Chas Mccormick
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2022Storm10839434722817011191502010.1830.2280.310
2023Storm1113994268435212411266200.1700.2480.283
2024Flyers36165303830541013556000.2300.2980.491
2024Moose7931945865411319199716120.2700.3250.502
2025Old Geezers00000000000000.0000.0000.000
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025McCormick (oblique) will report to the Astros' spring facility in Florida to face live pitching this week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old landed on the shelf in late May due to an oblique strain but is now nearing the final stages of his rehab program. Manager Joe Espada indicated previously that McCormick would require a rehab assignment before returning from the 10-day injured list, which will likely be the next step if the outfielder faces live pitching with no issues.
Jun 19 2025McCormick (oblique) is likely to face live hitting within the next week, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been on the injured list since May 31 and resumed swinging Friday. He's still a while away from being activated, however, as manager Joe Espada said McCormick will require a rehab assignment.
Jun 13 2025McCormick (oblique) hit off a tee Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first update on McCormick since the Astros placed him on the 10-day injured list May 31 due to a strained left oblique. While it's encouraging to see him begin swinging a bat, McCormick likely still has more hurdles to clear before being activated.
May 31 2025The Astros placed McCormick on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left oblique strain, retroactive to Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has gone 4-for-18 with two RBI and two runs scored since the start of May, but he'll now be unavailable for at least the next nine days while he recovers from his strained oblique. Shay Whitcomb will come up from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill the open roster spot.
Apr 2 2025McCormick went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored Wednesday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was reportedly on the roster bubble to close spring training, and he started only one of Houston's first four games. However, he's now manned center field in three of the team's last four matchups, costing Jake Meyers playing time. The duo seem likely to continue to split playing time for the foreseeable future, limiting the potential fantasy value of both.
Mar 22 2025McCormick could be optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has slashed .161/.409/.290 across 31 Grapefruit League at-bats, leading Rome to describe McCormick's role as the team's starter in right field as "tenuous at best." Several alternatives also appear to be on the table, including a demotion to Triple-A Sugar Land or being pushed to a reserve role. If McCormick loses playing time, Zach Dezenzo or Cam Smith would benefit.
Feb 22 2025McCormick is likely to begin the season as Houston's starting right fielder, but he will be on a short leash, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had a very disappointing 2024 season, maintaining only a 66 wRC+ across 267 plate appearances. Due to Houston's lack of offseason additions in the outfield, he's likely to maintain a starting role by default, though he'll need to return to the form he showcased earlier in his career to maintain that status. McTaggart named Taylor Trammell (calf) as a potential playing time winner should McCormick continue to struggle.
Jan 9 2025The Astros and McCormick avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million contract Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was arbitration-eligible this winter for the second time. The outfielder cratered to a .576 OPS in 94 regular-season games in 2024 following an .842 OPS in 2023. McCormick currently appears in line for regular playing time in 2025, although the Astros might not be done making roster additions.
Oct 1 2024The Astros activated McCormick (hand) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been sidelined since mid-September with a small fracture in his right hand, but he's progressed enough to be included on the team's wild-card roster. While an option to get some reps versus lefties, McCormick is not in the Game 1 lineup against southpaw Tarik Skubal.
Sep 30 2024Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that McCormick (hand) should be "ready to go" for the wild-card series against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been shelved since mid-September with a small fracture in his right hand, but he's been working out for the past week and it appears he will be part of the Astros' wild-card roster. The switch-hitting outfielder has put up just a .577 OPS over 267 plate appearances in 2024.
Sep 25 2024McCormick (hand) will not accompany the Astros on their road trip to Cleveland this weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been ramping up his activities and will continue to work out back in Houston, but he will not return from the 10-day injured list before the end of the regular season. The 29-year-old should still have a good shot to be ready in time for the wild-card round, provided he responds well to facing live pitching back in Houston this weekend. McCormick has put up a disappointing .577 OPS over 267 plate appearances in 2024, but he had gone 10-for-24 at the plate over his last eight games before fracturing his right hand in mid-September.
Sep 23 2024Astros general manager Dana Brown said that McCormick (hand) will resume swinging the bat Monday with the hope that the outfielder could return from the 10-day injured list for the team's weekend series in Cleveland, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has produced a poor .577 OPS over 267 plate appearances with Houston in 2024, but he had enjoyed his best stretch of the season over his most recent eight games (10-for-24 with a home run and 1:2 BB:K) before landing on the IL on Sept. 12 with a small fracture in his right hand. The 29-year-old is ready to begin ramping up again following a brief shutdown period, and if he's able to swing the bat at full velocity and without discomfort, he looks like he could return to the Astros' active roster before the regular season comes to a close.
Sep 12 2024The Astros placed McCormick on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a fractured right hand, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick suffered the injury during Tuesday's game versus the Athletics when he crashed into the outfield wall. The fracture is considered small, and he will be eligible to return during the final weekend of the regular season. However, it's unclear whether he has a shot to make it back by that time.
Sep 11 2024Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that McCormick has a fracture in his right hand and will need to spend time on the injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick crashed into the outfield wall during Tuesday's contest and had to make an early exit from the game, and it now appears the 29-year-old will need to sit out for a while longer. There's no telling if he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season.
Sep 10 2024McCormick was removed from Tuesday's game against the Athletics due to right wrist discomfort, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick likely hurt his wrist while crashing into the outfield wall, though the severity of his injury remains unknown. Should he need to miss any games, Jake Meyers would presumably receive an uptick in playing time.
Sep 8 2024McCormick will start in center field and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick wasn't expected to be in store for a major role after being called up from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, but he'll draw a sixth consecutive start Sunday after going 6-for-18 with a double, a walk, three RBI and three runs. However, with Jake Meyers back from the paternity list and with Kyle Tucker likely to resume playing the outfield soon after being limited to designated-hitter duties in his first two starts since being activated from the injured list Friday, McCormick's playing time should soon fall by the wayside.
Sep 2 2024The Astros recalled McCormick from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday. He'll start in center field and bat ninth in the Astros' series opener in Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Less than a week after being optioned to Sugar Land, McCormick will be eligible to rejoin the Astros since Houston is placing Jake Meyers (personal) on the paternity list in a corresponding move. McCormick is expected to head back to Sugar Land once Meyers is activated, likely ahead of the Astros' weekend series with the Diamondbacks in Houston.
Sep 1 2024Manager Joe Espada said that McCormick will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land prior to Monday's game in Cincinnati, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will likely stick around with the Astros for at least the entirety of the three-game series versus the Reds while fellow outfielder Jake Meyers is away from the team on paternity leave. Before he was demoted to Triple-A last week, McCormick had struggled to a .192/.256/.292 slash line with a 28.8 percent strikeout rate over 243 plate appearances with Houston.
Aug 28 2024The Astros optioned McCormick to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he hit a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Phillies, McCormick will head back to the minors as he looks to break out of an extended funk at the plate. The 29-year-old entered Wednesday's contest with a .211 OPS in 44 plate appearances during the month of August and was beginning to see his playing time diminish. Now that he's been dispatched to Triple-A, more playing time in the outfield will likely be given to Mauricio Dubon, Ben Gamel and Jason Heyward.
Aug 26 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will hit the bench for the third time in the Astros' last four matchups with right-handed pitching. Slashing just .150/.224/.200 since the All-Star break, McCormick looks like he'll have to settle for a part-time role with Houston until his bat begins to come around.
Aug 9 2024McCormick is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Boston, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It marks the second straight game on the bench for McCormick, who is still looking for his first hit in August. Mauricio Dubon is getting another start in right field for the Astros.
Aug 7 2024McCormick is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had started in each of the previous three games but failed to record a base hit. The Astros will go with Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon as their starting outfield Wednesday.
Aug 3 2024McCormick is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will sit for the second straight game Saturday with Pedro Leon set to make his major-league debut in right field against Rays right-hander Zack Littell. Since the All-Star break, McCormick has gone 6-for-20 with one home run and two RBI.
Aug 2 2024McCormick is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started five of the previous seven games but will sit Friday after going 5-for-15 with a solo homer and four total runs during that stretch. Mauricio Dubon will man right field and bat ninth in the series opener versus Tampa Bay.
Jul 31 2024McCormick will start in right field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick seems to have re-emerged as the Astros' preferred option in right field in the absence of Kyle Tucker (shin); he'll draw his fifth start at the position in seven games. Trey Cabbage and Joey Loperfido have picked up the other two starts, and the latter has since been traded to the Blue Jays and replaced on the roster by another outfielder in Pedro Leon. While the Astros could eventually look to Leon, Cabbage or Mauricio Dubon to pick up more reps in the corner outfield, McCormick has gone 5-for-14 with a solo home run over his last four starts to rebuild a little job security for the time being.
Jul 25 2024McCormick went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Wednesday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went yard and also tallied his first multi-hit game since June 22. He has been stuck primarily in a small-side platoon role recently, with both Joey Loperfido and Trey Cabbage playing ahead of him against righties in the corner outfield spots.
Jul 9 2024McCormick went 1-for-3 with one RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick hasn't been running as much this season -- his pair of steals Tuesday gave him seven thefts on the year. He's logged four of them over the last 13 games, though he's batting just .212 (7-for-33) in that span. The outfielder is at a .207/.267/.313 slash line with three home runs, 19 RBI, 19 runs scored, five doubles and one triple across 52 contests this season. He's started five of the last eight games between left field and right field, including three starts versus right-handed pitchers, though McCormick will still have to compete with Joey Loperfido for playing time until Kyle Tucker (lower leg) is ready to return.
Jul 5 2024McCormick isn't in the Astros' lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will be held out of action for the third time in Houston's last four games Friday while Joey Loperfido starts in right field, batting eighth.
Jun 30 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will sit Sunday for the second straight game, and he has gone 1-for-11 over his past five contests. Trey Cabbage will start in right field and bat ninth in the series finale at New York.
Jun 29 2024McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-1 with one walk and one strikeout before being pinch hit by Jon Singleton in the sixth inning of Friday's 7-2 loss to New York. With McCormick starting Saturday's game in the dugout, Singleton will start at first base while Mauricio Dubon shifts to right field against Mets right-hander Tylor Megill.
Jun 26 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After starting each of the last three games, McCormick will be the odd man out of the Astros outfield on Wednesday with Houston clearing a spot in left field for Yordan Alvarez, who typically serves as the team's designated hitter. McCormick could be forced to the bench on a more frequent basis once Kyle Tucker (shin) returns from the injured list, though it's not yet clear when Tucker might rejoin the big club as his rehab program has proceeded more slowly than anticipated.
Jun 24 2024McCormick went 0-for-4 with a strikeout Sunday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's line isn't notable, but Sunday marked his third start in Houston's last four games against a right-handed pitcher. He had previously been losing playing time against righties to Trey Cabbage and Mauricio Dubon, but the absence of Kyle Tucker (shin) and lack of production from Jake Meyers have opened up playing time for McCormick. He's shown modest improvement in his last five starts, going 4-for-14 with a pair of homers, three RBI and five runs scored.
Jun 22 2024McCormick went 3-for-3 with a pair of solo home runs, a stolen base and three total runs scored in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick got a rare start versus a right-hander -- his second in the last three games -- and he made it count by taking Corbin Burnes deep in the fifth inning. All three of McCormick's homers this year have come within his last five games, and he's added six RBI and six runs scored in that span. Overall, he's posted a mediocre .225/.286/.358 slash line with 15 RBI, 15 runs scored and three stolen bases across 133 plate appearances.
Jun 20 2024McCormick went 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old was in the lineup because Houston was facing lefty Garrett Crochet, though McCormick remains in the small side of a platoon with Trey Cabbage in right field. As a result, McCormick has started only six of the team's last 10 games, during which he's hit .250 with one home run, five RBI and five runs scored.
Jun 15 2024McCormick went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 13-5 loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick didn't start Saturday against right-hander Jack Flaherty, but he homered in the seventh inning after replacing Yordan Alvarez in left field. The long ball was McCormick's first of the season, though he's managed three extra-base hits over his last five contests. The 29-year-old is slashing .209/.273/.291 with 12 RBI, 10 runs scored and three stolen bases over 121 plate appearances, and he's unlikely to make a consistent impact while occupying a short-side platoon role.
Jun 12 2024McCormick is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It marks the fifth time in a row that McCormick has been out of the lineup versus a right-hander. He did draw a start each of the last three game against lefties, but it would appear at the moment that McCormick's role is as a short-side platoon bat. Yordan Alvarez and Trey Cabbage are handling the corner outfield spots and Jon Singleton will be the designated hitter for the Astros on Wednesday.
Jun 11 2024McCormick isn't in the Astros' lineup versus the Giants on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will take a seat on the bench after making three straight starts in right field. Before that, the outfielder was absent from the lineup in two consecutive games. With McCormick out of the lineup Tuesday, Mauricio Dubon, Jake Meyers and Trey Cabbage will round out the outfield for the Astros.
Jun 8 2024McCormick went 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored Saturday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick returned to the starting lineup after Trey Cabbage got the nod over him in each of Houston's last two games. It remains to be seen how the Astros allocate playing time moving forward between the trio of Mauricio Dubon, McCormick and Cabbage, as that group will primarily cover two outfield positions while Kyle Tucker (shin) is sidelined.
Jun 7 2024McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Angels, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will be on the bench for a third straight game Friday. He's played in nine games since returning from the injured list May 21, going 2-for-23 with seven strikeouts over that span. Yordan Alvarez will start in left field Friday, while Yainer Diaz will serve as the designated hitter against Angels right hander Griffin Canning.
Jun 5 2024McCormick is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Cardinals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is on the bench for the second game in a row and third time in five contests. Yordan Alvarez will occupy left field Wednesday and Jon Singleton will serve as the Astros' designated hitter while McCormick sits.
Jun 4 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has just one hit in his last 16 at-bats and will take a seat for the second time in four games. Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon fill the outfield from left to right.
Jun 1 2024McCormick is not in the starting lineup Saturday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will head to the bench after he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in Friday's 6-1 loss to Minnesota. Mauricio Dubon will take over in left field and bat seventh Saturday.
May 30 2024McCormick isn't in the Astros' lineup for Thursday's game against Seattle, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had sat out three games in a row before returning to Houston's lineup Wednesday, but an 0-for-4 performance will put him back on the bench for Thursday's series finale. Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon will start across the outfield while McCormick sits.
May 28 2024McCormick is not in the Astros' lineup versus the Mariners on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This will be the third consecutive absence for McCormick after also sitting out Sunday's and Monday's contests. He made a return from an injured-list stint due to right hamstring discomfort last Tuesday and has recorded a hit across the nine plate appearances he's logged in the three games he's played in that span. In his place, Yordan Alvarez will start in left field while Jon Singleton slots in as the designated hitter and Jose Abreu draws the start at first base.
May 27 2024McCormick is absent from the lineup for Monday's game in Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the second straight game on the bench for McCormick, who is 1-for-9 in three contests since returning from the injured list. The Astros are going with Yordan Alvarez in left field Monday, with Jon Singleton in the designated hitter spot and Jose Abreu at first base in his return.
May 26 2024McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will begin Sunday's contest in the dugout after going 1-for-6 over the first two games of the series. Mauricio Dubon will start at left field and bat ninth against Oakland right-hander Aaron Brooks.
May 22 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick returned from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and started in left field in the Astros' 6-5 victory over the Angels, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. The Astros haven't indicated that McCormick suffered a setback with his hamstring in his return to the lineup Tuesday, so his absence Wednesday is likely just for maintenance purposes. Mauricio Dubon will get the nod in left field in the series finale.
May 21 2024McCormick (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has missed all of May with hamstring soreness, but he'll return to the active roster after a six-game rehab stint. The 29-year-old went 5-for-23 with a pair of doubles and a stolen base in the minors. While McCormick should end up as the Astros' starting left fielder, he's likely to split time with Joey Loperfido and could see more DH work considering the fragility of a hamstring injury.
May 20 2024Astros manager Joe Espada said that McCormick (hamstring) will not be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Monday's game versus the Angels, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: However, McCormick is with the Astros at Minute Maid Park and will go through a pregame workout. His activation will come "soon," per Espada, with Tuesday seeming like a distinct possibility. McCormick has been out for all of May with a right hamstring injury.
May 19 2024McCormick (hamstring) is expected to rejoin the Astros after serving as Triple-A Sugar Land's designated hitter Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the sixth rehab outing for McCormick, who so far has gone 3-for-19 with a double, an RBI and five strikeouts. The 29-year-old has struggled early in 2024 with a .236/.325/.278 slash line through 21 games.
May 16 2024McCormick (hamstring) will make his second rehab appearance with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is nearing a return, as he played five innings in center field with Corpus Christi on Tuesday. However, he won't be back in the minor-league lineup again until Friday, meaning he won't be activated from the injured list until at least Saturday. McCormick has gone 2-for-7 in his first two appearances of the rehab stint.
May 14 2024McCormick (hamstring) is scheduled to play in the outfield for the next two games with Double-A Corpus Christi, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick served as the designated hitter with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday in his first rehab appearance, and he'll now progress to playing full games in the outfield. Assuming that goes well, there's a strong chance he'll be activated for the Astros' weekend series against Milwaukee.
May 13 2024McCormick (hamstring) went 2-for-5 with a double in his first rehab game with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick occupied the designated hitter spot in what was his first game action in a couple weeks. He should be activated from the 10-day injured list soon, but the Astros presumably will want him to play at least a game or two in the outfield before that happens.
May 8 2024Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that McCormick (hamstring) could begin a rehab assignment this weekend, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old landed on the injured list with hamstring soreness last week, and he is now on the cusp of returning to game action. McCormick will likely only need a few games in the minors to get back up to speed due to the brevity of the absence, though he could use a few extra at-bats given his .603 OPS through 21 games.
May 4 2024McCormick (hamstring) began running Saturday and could participate in batting practice within the next few days, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Joe Espada said McCormick has been feeling better since tweaking his hamstring Tuesday, and the team hopes to send him on a minor-league rehab assignment "pretty soon." The 29-year-old outfielder will be eligible to return from the IL on Wednesday, though the Astros haven't indicated whether or not he'll be ready to go by then.
May 1 2024The Astros placed McCormick on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to right hamstring discomfort, retroactive to Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that the Astros were debating placing McCormick on the injured list, and the team ultimately decided sitting him down for another week is the best course of action. The 29-year-old outfielder likely won't require more than a minimum stay on the IL, so he may be able to return to the lineup when eligible May 8. Jacob Amaya was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.
Apr 30 2024Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that McCormick is dealing with some hamstring soreness, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houston has yet to post its lineup for Tuesday's matchup with Cleveland, but the 29-year-old outfielder doesn't seem likely to be included. Prospect Joey Loperfido is being called up for his first taste of the big leagues, and he'll see some run in the outfield with McCormick banged up, per Espada. McCormick's injury doesn't appear to be a serious concern, but he may be limited over the next few days.
Apr 28 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies in Mexico City, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will hit the bench for the series finale as a result of catcher Yainer Diaz getting a day off behind the plate and serving as Houston's designated hitter, resulting in usual DH Yordan Alvarez drawing the start in left field. The 29-year-old McCormick is still looking for his first home run of the season and has managed a .236 average with two stolen bases, eight RBI and six runs over 83 plate appearances.
Apr 24 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will take a seat after he went a collective 5-for-14 with a pair of RBI, a urn and a stolen base over the past four games. Yordan Alvarez will fill in for McCormick as the Astros' starting left fielder.
Apr 17 2024McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick recently overcame a hamstring issue before starting in each of Houston's last three games, so his absence from the lineup Wednesday is most likely for maintenance purposes as the Astros and Atlanta close their series with an afternoon contest. With McCormick on the bench, the Astros will run out an outfield of Yordan Alvarez, Mauricio Dubon and Kyle Tucker from left to right.
Apr 15 2024McCormick went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored Sunday against Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was held out of the first two games of Houston's weekend series against the Rangers. He returned to hit fifth in the order and delivered a two-RBI double in the seventh inning. Before his absence, McCormick had only two hits in his previous 20 at-bats.
Apr 14 2024McCormick (hamstring) will start in center field and bat fifth Sunday against the Rangers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old sat out the first two games of the series due to hamstring soreness but will return to action Sunday for the finale. McCormick had a hot first week of the season with an .845 OPS through six games, but he's gone just 2-for-20 with four walks and five strikeouts over his past six contests.
Apr 13 2024McCormick (hamstring) is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers but he hopes to return Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick missed the first game of the series Friday with a sore right hamstring. He did full-speed running before Saturday's game and told reporters that he felt great, so it sounds like he'll avoid an IL stint.
Apr 12 2024McCormick isn't starting Friday's game against Texas due to a hamstring injury, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is still available off the bench for Friday's contest, so his hamstring injury is likely minor. Mauricio Dubon will start in left field instead and bat seventh.
Apr 11 2024McCormick is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Kansas City, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has just two hits across his last 24 plate appearances, and he'll have the afternoon off to regroup. Yordan Alvarez is in left field Thursday while Yainer Diaz occupies the designated hitter spot.
Mar 30 2024McCormick is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started in left field for the first two games of the season, going 1-for-7 with two RBI, one stolen base and one walk. With the Yankees sending right-hander Marcus Stroman to the mound Saturday, McCormick will head to the bench. Victor Caratini will get the start at catcher, Yainer Diaz will move to DH and Yordan Alvarez will shuffle to left field.
Mar 29 2024McCormick went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base Friday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has only one hit across eight plate appearances early in the season, but he's still made an impact on the box score. He delivered a two-RBI single on Opening Day and followed that up with his first stolen base of the year Friday. McCormick is expected to be an everyday player for the Astros and has made a pair of starts against lefties to this point.
Feb 24 2024McCormick is expected to be an everyday player in 2024, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: From a skills perspective, McCormick had a breakout season in 2023, posting a 133 wRC+ and .362 wOBA to go along with 22 home runs and 19 stolen bases. However, he was limited to only 457 plate appearances, in part because former manager Dusty Baker wanted to get Mauricio Dubon in the lineup regularly. That appears to be poised to change in 2024, with new manager Joe Espada voicing his support of McCormick as an everyday player.
Jan 11 2024McCormick agreed to a one-year, $2.85 million deal with the Astros on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is coming off a breakout year where he slashed .273/.353/.489 with 22 home runs and 19 steals in 115 games. With good health, he should blow past the 457 plate appearances he saw last year, as he is also a strong defender, capable of playing all three spots in the outfield.
Oct 22 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Game 6 of the ALCS against the Rangers on Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is 3-for-15 with a two-run homer and a walk so far in the series, and he'll hit the bench Sunday as Houston attempts to close things out. Mauricio Dubon is starting in center field and batting seventh.
Oct 18 2023McCormick is out of the lineup Wednesday for Game 3 of the ALCS at Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mauricio Dubon will start in center field and bat seventh versus the Rangers and right-hander Max Scherzer. McCormick is 6-for-19 (.316) so far in the playoffs, but all six of those hits have been singles and he slashed just .194/.260/.299 across his final 73 regular-season plate appearances.
Oct 10 2023McCormick is not in the lineup Tuesday for Game 3 of the ALDS in Minnesota, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick patrolled center field and collected two hits and an RBI in the first two games of the series, but he'll sit in favor of Mauricio Dubon in Game 3. Dubon will be flanked in the outfield by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker.
Sep 29 2023McCormick (back) is starting in center field and batting seventh in his return to the lineup Friday at Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick missed Wednesday's series finale at Seattle after taking an Andres Munoz fastball to the back the day before, but he's ready to rock following Thursday's scheduled team off day. The 28-year-old outfielder has posted a .911 OPS with 14 homers, 10 steals, 43 RBI and 38 runs scored in 61 games since the All-Star break.
Sep 27 2023McCormick (back) is not in the lineup Wednesday at Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was lifted from Tuesday's loss to the Mariners after taking an Andres Munoz fastball to the back in the top of the ninth inning, but he's said to be feeling better Wednesday and could be available off the bench. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field and bat seventh for the visiting Astros.
Sep 26 2023McCormick exited Tuesday's game against Seattle in the ninth inning after being hit in the back by a pitch, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was hit by a fastball from Andres Munoz and was helped off the field by a trainer as well as manager Dusty Baker. The Astros wrap up a series with Seattle on Wednesday before an off day Thursday, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see McCormick out of the lineup for at least one game.
Sep 23 2023McCormick went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has started five consecutive games in left field, directly replacing Michael Brantley (soreness) in the lineup. He's responded by going yard twice and stealing a bag in that span. It's unclear how long Brantley may be sidelined, but McCormick should be productive in the meantime.
Sep 22 2023McCormick went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk in Friday's loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's eighth-inning blast cut Kansas City's lead to 7-5 but the comeback attempt fell short. The 28-year-old outfielder is up to 21 home runs this season after knocking his first since Sep. 6. During his 12-game drought, he posted an ugly .479 OPS. McCormick is now slashing .281/.362/.501 with 39 extra-base hits, 68 RBI and 19 stolen bases through 429 plate appearances.
Sep 17 2023McCormick went 3-for-4 with one RBI and two steals in Sunday's win over Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick broke out of a 1-for-15 slump with the three-hit effort. The two swipes lifted his total to 18 after having combined for eight steals in his first two seasons. McCormick is slashing .284/.363/.504 with 20 homers, 64 RBI, 56 runs and 18 stolen bases over 363 at-bats in what has been a breakout season for the third-year vet.
Sep 13 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Athletics, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a day off for McCormick, who had started each of the previous three games. Jake Meyers is getting a rare start in center field.
Sep 9 2023McCormick will be on the bench for Saturday's game against San Diego. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is having a career year, with personal bests in all three aspects of his .285/.367/.521 slash line as well as career highs in homers (20) and steals (14). Despite that success, he's seen his playing time slip since Michael Brantley returned from the injured list in late August, particularly against righties. He's now been on the bench against three of the last four right-handers the Astros have faced, with Mauricio Dubon again starting in center field while Brantley starts in left.
Sep 6 2023McCormick hit a solo home run as a pinch hitter in Wednesday's 12-3 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick snapped an 11-game homer drought with the blast. In that span, he hit .292 (14-for-48) with three doubles and eight RBI. The homer got him to 20 long balls for the first time in his three major-league seasons. The outfielder has added 63 RBI, 54 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 16 doubles and two triples while slashing .289/.371/.527 through 384 plate appearances. While McCormick has played well, he's likely to be in a part-time role between left field and center field, splitting time with Yordan Alvarez, Michael Brantley and Mauricio Dubon.
Sep 3 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the second time on the bench in the last four games for McCormick, despite the fact he's hitting .300/.345/.475 with four homers, 13 RBI and 12 runs in his past 20 contests. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field and bat eighth in Sunday's series finale versus New York.
Sep 1 2023McCormick is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will head to the bench after he went 2-for-9 with two RBI and a run scored while starting two games during the team's series with Boston. Jake Meyers will take over in center field and bat eighth in the series opener with New York.
Aug 29 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game at Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old started the past 16 games after missing a couple contests with a bruised knee and will receive Tuesday off with Michael Brantley (shoulder) activated from the injured list and making his season debut in left field. McCormick played all three outfield spots during that stretch and should continue to be a lineup regular given his .982 OPS in 39 games since the All-Star break.
Aug 21 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with two homers and four RBI in Monday's win over Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick ripped a three-run shot in the fourth inning followed by a solo homer in the eighth. He's produced two multi-homer games this month and has now gone deep six times in August. During those 17 games, he's gone 17-for-59 (.288). On the year, McCormick is slashing .286/.374/.544 with 19 homers and 54 RBI.
Aug 16 2023McCormick went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and an additional run scored in Wednesday's win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick now has homered in back-to-back contests while extending his hitting streak to seven games -- he's gone 10-for-24 (.417) in that span. The 28-year-old McCormick is now slashing .288/.378/.539 with a career-high 17 homers, 50 RBI and 44 runs scored across 313 plate appearances in a breakout campaign.
Aug 14 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had himself a pretty busy afternoon despite the Astros only scoring one run and compiling seven hits total. McCormick's contributions this season don't get talked about enough with the attention always on Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, but he's put together a fantastic campaign and has found himself hitting right in the middle of the lineup as a near-everyday player. The 28-year-old is now slashing .280/.368/.517 with 15 homers, 47 RBI, 41 runs, 13 steals and a 31:86 BB:K in 300 plate appearances.
Aug 12 2023McCormick (knee) will return to the lineup Saturday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A bruised knee had kept McCormick out of the lineup since Wednesday, though he did make an appearance off the bench Friday. He'll be involved from the start Saturday and will look to continue to build on a promising campaign which has seen him hit .277/.358/.522 with 15 homers and 12 steals in 74 games.
Aug 11 2023McCormick (knee) is out of the lineup again Friday versus the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was scratched from Thursday's series finale against the Orioles after bruising his left knee Wednesday while diving for a ball in the outfield, but the Astros don't seem to view it as a serious concern. Mauricio Dubon is playing center field Friday and batting sixth.
Aug 10 2023McCormick had to be scratched from the Astros' lineup Thursday in Baltimore due to a bruised left knee, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick banged up his knee while diving for Adley Rutschman's first-inning triple during Wednesday's win over the Orioles. He's considered day-to-day. Mauricio Dubon slotted into left field in McCormick's place Thursday.
Aug 8 2023McCormick is out of the lineup Tuesday versus the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jake Meyers will start in center field and Yainer Diaz will serve as the Astros' designated hitter. Yordan Alvarez is in left field and Martin Maldonado is catching. This looks to be a routine day of rest for McCormick, who has reached base in 12 straight games and boasts an .891 OPS on the year.
Aug 2 2023McCormick went 2-for-3 with two homers, three RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's victory over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick powered the Astros' offense again Wednesday, tying the game 2-2 with a two-run homer off Tanner Bibee in the second inning before giving Houston the lead with a solo blast off Nick Sandlin in the sixth, setting a new career high with 15 long balls on the year. The 28-year-old outfielder would also add a stolen base for good measure, improving to 12-for-13 on attempts this season. McCormick's been one of the hottest hitters in baseball for over a month now -- he's batting .337 (34-for-101) with eight homers and a 1.086 OPS in his last 30 games. Overall, he's slashing .286/.375/.547 with 47 RBI and 37 runs scored across 270 plate appearances in a breakout campaign.
Jul 31 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll give way in the outfield to Jake Meyers, who will be flanked in left and right field by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, respectively. McCormick has been one of the hottest hitters in the Houston lineup and started in each of the Astros' last 19 games, slashing .338/.436/.646 with five home runs, three stolen bases, 17 RBI and 15 runs during that stretch.
Jul 25 2023McCormick went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, a walk and six total RBI in Monday's 10-9 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick came up to the plate three times with runners in scoring position and delivered in each instance, knocking a two-run double in the first inning, a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a game-tying three-run homer in the seventh. Altogether, the outfielder tallied a career-best six RBI to lead the Astros to victory. McCormick has been on fire in July, slashing .362/.457/.759 with six homers, 20 RBI, 12 runs and three steals through 17 games.
Jul 22 2023McCormick went 0-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick saw an eight-game hitting streak dating back to July 9 snapped, but he was still able to get on base. He's 13-for-29 with six walks and three steals over his last nine contests. The outfielder has often had to battle for playing time, but he's been an everyday player of late. He's slashing .282/.372/.520 with 12 home runs, 11 steals, 35 RBI, 30 runs scored, 10 doubles and a triple through 59 contests. McCormick may end up taking a cut in playing time once Yordan Alvarez (oblique) returns, which is expected to happen Monday.
Jul 19 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Wednesday's win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been on fire since the All-Star break, going 10-for-18 (.556) with four home runs in his last five games. The 28-year-old outfielder now has 12 home runs on the year while slashing .285/.370/.534 with 35 RBI, 30 runs scored and nine stolen bases. McCormick has provided legitimate fantasy value while settling in as Houston's primary center fielder.
Jul 16 2023McCormick went 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick belted a solo shot in the seventh inning followed by a two-run homer in the eighth. He knocked three homers with six runs scored and five RBI in two games against the Angels this weekend. The 28-year-old is up to 11 home runs and 32 RBI with a .280/.365/.522 slash line through 54 games.
Jul 15 2023McCormick went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run, a pair of walks and four total runs scored in Saturday's 13-12 extra-inning loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was an on-base machine Saturday in arguably his best game of the season. He's hitting .355 (11-for-31) with four walks over nine games in July, and it appears his strong month or so of hitting has earned him a starting role in center field over Jake Meyers. McCormick is at a .269/.354/.484 slash line with nine homers, 29 RBI, 26 runs scored and nine stolen bases through 207 plate appearances.
Jul 5 2023McCormick is not in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Rockies, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 5-for-12 with a homer, a triple, a double, six RBI and a run scored while starting the last three games. Jake Meyers will replace him in center field and bat ninth versus Colorado.
Jul 3 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBI on Sunday against Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick remains in a near-even timeshare with Jake Meyers in center field, though he also draws occasional starts in left field. He's in the midst of a solid three-game stretch, during which he's gone 5-for-13 with a stolen base, three RBI and two runs scored. He's maintained a .797 OPS with seven homers and eight stolen bases this season, but to this point, he hasn't been able to claim a full-time role -- dinging his fantasy value.
Jul 1 2023McCormick isn't in the Astros' lineup Saturday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 3-for-9 with two runs scored and a steal across his last two games, McCormick will catch a breather Saturday. While McCormick rests, Jake Meyers will take over in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 22 2023McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's 10-8 win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Dominic Leone deep in the third inning as both offenses chased the opposition's starter early. McCormick is having a strong June, slashing .319/.396/.553 over 13 games with three of his seven homers on the season, and he's now gotten a start in six of the last nine contests.
Jun 17 2023McCormick went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a stolen base Friday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was in the lineup for the third time in the last four games, though each has come against a lefty. Meanwhile, he's been forced to the bench in each of Houston's last three games against righties, suggesting he's fallen into a short-side platoon role. Even so, McCormick has already swiped a career-high six bases and has maintained a career-best .213 ISO across 138 plate appearances on the season.
Jun 14 2023McCormick went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick hit the Astros' fourth solo home run of the evening, connecting on a 392-foot blast in the eighth inning. He now has four home runs in 11 games dating back to May 28 but is still slashing just .228/.313/.447 with six homers, 17 RBI, 15 runs and 11:35 BB:K over 129 plate appearances. McCormick could see some additional at-bats with Yordan Alvarez (oblique) on the shelf but is still not seeing consistent opportunities to warrant much fantasy consideration.
Jun 11 2023McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is on the bench for a second straight game after he went 2-for-12 with five strikeouts while starting each of the preceding three contests. Even with Yordan Alvarez (oblique) recently moving to the injured list, McCormick looks as though he could find himself as the odd man out of the lineup more often than not. Kyle Tucker is locked in as the Astros' everyday right fielder, and Jake Meyers, Corey Julks and Mauricio Dubon have seemingly moved ahead of McCormick in the pecking order for playing time at designated hitter and/or the other two outfield spots.
Jun 6 2023McCormick isn't in the Astros' lineup Tuesday against Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick didn't start against Toronto on Monday either, but he eventually came in for two plate appearances and scored a run. While he sits Tuesday, Jake Meyers will start in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 5 2023McCormick will sit Monday versus Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a day off after he went 5-for-11 with a homer, a double, two RBI and two runs scored over the three-game series with the Angels. Jake Meyers will draw the start in center field and bat ninth in the series opener with the Blue Jays.
Jun 3 2023McCormick went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and two total RBI in a 9-6 victory versus the Angels on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI double in the third inning and launched a solo shot to right-center field in the seventh. Over his past five games, the outfielder has gone 7-for-19 (.368 average), with three of the hits leaving the park. McCormick missed close to a month earlier in the campaign with a back injury, but he's produced five long balls and four thefts over the 27 games in which he's played, giving him intriguing fantasy value despite a modest .242/.314/.474 slash line.
Jun 2 2023McCormick went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's 6-2 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had tallied just three hits -- all going for extra bases -- over his last 10 games combined. All three of his knocks Friday were singles, but it's a sign of progress that he's getting back to making more consistent contact. The 28-year-old outfielder is hitting .233 with a .743 OPS, four home runs, 14 RBI, 10 runs scored and four stolen bases over 101 plate appearances. He remains in competition with Jake Meyers for playing time in center field.
May 31 2023McCormick went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick sent one out to left center off Joe Ryan in the second inning to increase the Astros' lead to 3-0. He now sits at four homers on the year and has doubled his home run total for the season with two in his last two games. The 28-year-old hasn't produced a whole lot at the plate outside of those two homers since returning from a back injury May 14. Since then, he's slashing just .184/.244/.421 with five extra-base hits, five RBI, two runs and a 3:12 BB:K over 40 plate appearances as he continues to fight for his playing time in center field with Jake Meyers.
May 29 2023McCormick is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Twins, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 1-for-6 with a solo home run, two walks and four strikeouts while starting the last two games of the three-game series with Oakland. Jake Meyers will draw the start in center field and bat seventh in the series opener with Minnesota.
May 28 2023McCormick went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 10-1 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick entered the contest 0-for-14 over his last five games, but he was able to make an impact with his seventh-inning blast. The slump at the plate could begin to cost him playing time -- he started in right field for a resting Kyle Tucker on Sunday, but Jake Meyers has been a bit better lately while competing with McCormick for the starting job in center field. McCormick has a .215/.303/.405 slash line with three homers, 12 RBI, eight runs scored and four stolen bases through 90 plate appearances, numbers that seem more in line for a fourth outfielder than a regular member of the starting lineup. Until one of Meyers or McCormick establishes themselves, center field in Houston is likely to be a timeshare.
May 17 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 7-3 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick made his third consecutive start since returning from the injured list Sunday. He went hitless in his first appearance, but he has since gone 4-for-8 with two doubles and two RBI. Prior to going on the injured list, McCormick had hit atop the Houston order, though he's hit seventh in all three games since his return. Mauricio Dubon has remained the leadoff hitter.
May 14 2023McCormick (back) is starting in center field and batting seventh Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick hasn't seen the field since Monday due to back soreness (which was his first game back from a stint on the injured list), but he'll return to action for Sunday's series finale in Chicago. The 28-year-old has a .250/.353/.455 slash line with two home runs, nine RBI and four stolen bases in 52 plate appearances this season.
May 13 2023Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters that McCormick (back) will play Sunday against the White Sox, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is out of the lineup again Saturday, but it sounds like the team is just taking every precaution after the outfielder felt soreness in his back shortly after coming off the injured list. He should be back for the finale against Chicago, and if not he'll return early in the next week.
May 12 2023McCormick (back) could return to the lineup Saturday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Friday that McCormick feels "good," but he wants to see if the outfielder has any soreness Saturday after running and swinging a bat in pregame work before Friday's contest. While McCormick is out, Jake Meyers should continue to see the majority of reps in center field.
May 10 2023McCormick is not in the Astros' lineup Wednesday due to a sore back, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick just returned from a back injury, but it doesn't sound like this is considered a setback. Rather, manager Dusty Baker thinks McCormick simply "overdid it" during his rehab assignment, leading to the soreness. He's considered day-to-day. Jake Meyers is in center field Wednesday.
May 9 2023McCormick is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Angels, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his return from the 10-day injured list Monday following a back injury. Jake Meyers will draw the start in center field and bat eighth against Los Angeles.
May 8 2023McCormick (back) was activated off the10-day injured list by the Astros on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick ended up missing close to a month while dealing with his back strain. The outfielder should handle the majority of duties in center field now that he's back with the club, and he was hitting at the top of the lineup prior to his injury. Rylan Bannon was sent down to Triple-A Sugar Land in the corresponding transaction.
May 7 2023McCormick (back) could be activated from the 10-day injured list during the Astros' upcoming three-game series against the Angels, which begins Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Dusty Baker previously indicated Michael Brantley (shoulder) could make his return in Anaheim, and GM Dana Brown said Sunday that McCormick is about a day or two ahead of the veteran slugger. McCormick has already played in six games during his rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi, and he appears ready after going 5-for-17 with a home run, three RBI and six runs.
May 5 2023Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters before Friday's game that McCormick (back) won't be ready to return during the weekend series against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of The Athleticreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Neither McCormick nor Michael Brantley (shoulder) will be able to return to the lineup for Houston during their three-game series in Seattle. McCormick has been on the injured list since the middle of April with his strained back, but he should return to a regular role by the middle of May if there are no setbacks.
May 1 2023Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters before Monday's game against the Giants that McCormick (back) won't return during the three-game home series against San Francisco, but he could be back for the road trip beginning over the weekend, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has been out since the middle of April while dealing with his back strain. The outfielder will get regular at-bats in his rehab assignment in the meantime. Jake Meyers will continue to patrol center field while McCormick is unavailable.
Apr 29 2023McCormick (back) could need six or seven rehab games, which start Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: We knew McCormick would begin his rehab assignment this weekend, but it's worth noting that manager Dusty Baker expects it to be a longer rehab assignment than is sometimes needed for a position player. In the meantime, Jake Meyers will continue to be Houston's primary center fielder.
Apr 28 2023McCormick (back) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After some initial uncertainty, the Astros have officially decided to send McCormick down to the minors for some at-bats before bringing him back onto the major-league roster. It's unknown how long the team plans on keeping him on assignment, but if all goes well it's possible the 28-year-old outfielder returns within a week or so.
Apr 5 2023McCormick went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick got Houston on the board early with a two-run homer in the second, his first extra-base knock of the season. The third-year outfielder has hit 14 homers in back-to-back campaigns and will look to exceed that number in 2023.
Apr 4 2023McCormick is not in the Astros' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had started the last three contests after Jake Meyers started the first two games of the season, but it will be Meyers back in center field for this one. The two have only two hits (both by McCormick) between them in 16 at-bats in the early going.
Apr 2 2023McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and two steals during Sunday's 6-3 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old made his second consecutive start in center field and took advantage on the basepaths both times he reached. He's opened the season splitting playing time with Jake Meyers, as both players have received two starts in center, but McCormick has been far more effective at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three walks, two RBI and three steals.
Apr 1 2023McCormick went 1-for-2 with two walks, an RBI and a stolen base Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was in the starting lineup for the first time this season, taking over in center field for Jake Meyers. McCormick had a strong performance, which began with an RBI single in the first inning and concluded with a stolen base in the sixth. The Astros are beginning the season with a rotation in center field, so McCormick could claim additional playing time if he continues to perform well.
Mar 31 2023Astros manager Dusty Baker said McCormick will start in the outfield Saturday and Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick did not play in Thursday's season opener against the White Sox and he is out of the starting lineup again Friday, but he will work into the center field mix with Jake Meyers as the year rolls along. It's unlikely to be a fruitful situation for either player from a fantasy perspective.
Mar 18 2023McCormick has drawn seven walks across 28 plate appearances during Cactus League action. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is in competition for the center field job with Jake Meyers this spring and has reached base at a .500 clip. While that's certainly a positive, he has only three extra-base hits across 21 at-bats. Both McCormick and Meyers could start the season in the lineup if Michael Brantley (shoulder) isn't ready for Opening Day.
Feb 17 2023McCormick is competing for the Astros' starting center field job this spring, manager Dusty Baker told Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick enters camp as the odds-on favorite after starting 12 of 13 postseason games in center field in 2022 during the Astros' run to the World Series title. However, Baker noted that Jake Meyers would also be in the running after an injury-plagued 2022 and that "there's room for everybody to play." In addition to McCormick and Meyers, Mauricio Dubon and Pedro Leon (abdomen), when healthy, will also compete for playing time in center field with Houston.
Oct 22 2022McCormick went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk during Saturday's 5-0 win over the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick snuck a Gerrit Cole fastball just over the wall in right field to give the Astros a 2-0 lead during the second inning of Game 3. He continues to be a solid source of production for the end of the Houston lineup, and all five runs in Game 3 were knocked in by the bottom three hitters in the batting order. The homer marked McCormick's second of the ALCS, and the 27-year-old is now 5-for-16 with three RBI in his second postseason campaign.
Oct 19 2022McCormick went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored and a walk during Game 1's 4-2 win over the Yankees in the ALCS. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick took Clarke Schmidt deep for a solo shot just two batters after his teammate Yuli Gurriel, knocking the reliever from the game and giving the Astros a vital 3-1 lead in the sixth inning. The 27-year-old center fielder is 4-for-10 in the postseason and has gotten a hit in all three games the Astros have played. In just his second big league season, McCormick has cemented himself as a sneaky source of power at the bottom of the loaded Houston lineup.
Oct 13 2022McCormick is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Houston's ALDS matchup with Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick and Jake Meyers alternated starts in center field over the last six games of the regular season, and that pattern will continue in the postseason, as McCormick will work as a reserve Thursday after starting the first game of the series.
Oct 6 2022McCormick went 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick entered the game off the bench and delivered an RBI double and a run scored in the third inning. He split time with Jake Meyers to close the season but should be the primary center fielder for Houston's postseason run. McCormick had an inconsistent season but managed 14 home runs and four stolen bases while maintaining a .245 line across 407 plate appearances.
Oct 5 2022McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's regular season finale against the Phillies, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a day off after he went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in Tuesday's victory. Jake Meyers will take over in center field and bat seventh versus Philadelphia.
Oct 3 2022McCormick isn't in the lineup Monday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games after going 0-for-3 with a run and a strikeout Sunday. Jake Meyers will start in center field and bat eighth Monday.
Oct 1 2022McCormick isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started the last six games and hit .318 with a home run, two runs, two RBI, a stolen base, three walks and six strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Jake Meyers draws the start in center field and bats eighth.
Sep 29 2022McCormick went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was a thorn in Zac Gallen's side all night, first reaching on an infield single in the third inning before launching a two-run home run off the right-hander in the fifth. The left fielder also reached on a bunt single in his final at-bat and has now hit safely in six straight games. He's hitting .391 over that stretch a run scored and a stolen base in addition to his two-run shot Wednesday.
Sep 22 2022McCormick isn't starting Thursday against Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 2-for-4 during Tuesday's win over the Rays but will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Mauricio Dubon is starting in center field and batting ninth.
Sep 20 2022McCormick is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Rays, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is hitting .182 with one home run and one steal in 15 games this month. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field and hit eighth.
Sep 16 2022McCormick isn't starting Friday against Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-6 with a run, two walks and three strikeouts over the last two games and will head to the bench for the third time in the last six matchups. Mauricio Dubon is taking over in center field and batting eighth.
Sep 10 2022McCormick went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, an additional RBI and a walk in a 4-3 win over the Angels on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick helped power the Astros to a one-run victory with a homer that plated Trey Mancini in the seventh inning. McCormick also took a bases-loaded walk the following inning to make it a three-RBI game. McCormick is slashing a pedestrian .239/.326/.419 in 301 at-bats this season and came into the game batting .176 in September.
Sep 7 2022McCormick isn't starting Wednesday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started the last two games and went 2-for-7 with an RBI and three strikeouts. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field and bat ninth Wednesday.
Sep 4 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started the past two games and will hit the bench after he went 1-for-9 with a double, a run and three strikeouts. Mauricio Dubon will man center field and bat eighth Sunday.
Sep 2 2022McCormick (finger) went 1-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts in Friday's 4-2 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has battled a sore right pinkie finger over the last week-plus, having played in just two of the Astros' last seven games. Even if he's fully past the issue, he's could be in line for just a part-time role in center field. The 27-year-old is slashing .239/.325/.418 with 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 37 runs scored and two stolen bases through 94 contests overall.
Aug 31 2022Astros manager Dusty Baker confirmed that McCormick was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers due to a sore right pinkie finger, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick previously dislocated the finger in question one week ago, missing four straight games before re-entering the lineup Tuesday. In the Astros' 4-2 win, McCormick went 1-for-4 while playing all nine innings in the outfield, but he apparently came out of the contest feeling less than 100 percent. The Astros are hopeful that the day out of the lineup coupled with Thursday's team off day will allow McCormick to re-enter the lineup in Friday's series opener with the Angels.
Aug 30 2022McCormick (finger) will start in center field and bat ninth in Tuesday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick steps back into the lineup following a four-game absence due to a dislocated right pinkie finger. With Houston optioning Jake Meyers to Triple-A Sugar Land earlier Tuesday, McCormick is poised to serve as the Astros' primary option in center field, though general manager James Click acknowledged that Mauricio Dubon may also get some opportunities at the position.
Aug 28 2022McCormick (finger) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick dislocated his right pinky finger Wednesday and will be out of the lineup for the fourth straight game Sunday. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field and bat eighth in the series finale versus Baltimore.
Aug 27 2022McCormick (finger) isn't starting Saturday against Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will be on the bench for a third consecutive game after he dislocated his right pinky finger Wednesday against the Twins. Mauricio Dubon is starting in center field and batting ninth.
Aug 26 2022McCormick (finger) remains on the bench Friday against the Orioles, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick dislocated his right pinky finger Wednesday against the Twins and was expected to miss at least a couple days, so it's no surprise to see him on the bench here. Jake Meyers will start in center field.
Aug 24 2022McCormick sustained a dislocated right pinky finger during Wednesday's win over the Twins and is expected to be unavailable for at least a couple days, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-2 with a walk and suffered the injury while diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt. The 27-year-old has been filling a regular role in the outfield of late, but the dislocated finger will now cause him to miss some time. Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon should see more playing time until McCormick can retake the field.
Aug 23 2022McCormick will sit Tuesday versus the Twins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will take a seat after he went 3-for-10 with two runs and a stolen base while starting all three games of the series with Atlanta. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field and bat eighth against Minnesota.
Aug 22 2022McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base Sunday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick earned his fifth start in a row and has tallied a hit in each game. In that stretch, he's maintained a .350 batting average with one home run, six RBI and four runs scored. In addition to the playing time security stemming from his strong play, McCormick should be helped by the absence of Aledmys Diaz (groin).
Aug 21 2022McCormick will start in left field and bat seventh in Sunday's game in Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be making his fifth consecutive start after going 6-for-17 with a home run, a double, a walk and six RBI over the previous four contests. With Jake Meyers having lost hold of the everyday role and with Aledmys Diaz (groin) on the injured list, McCormick looks like he'll have a clear path to steady playing time in either left or center field while he's wielding a hot bat.
Aug 19 2022McCormick went 3-for-6 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has shifted into a timeshare with Mauricio Dubon in center field, and he's started only four of the team's last eight games. Even prior to Thursday's outburst, he has hit well of late by collecting at least one hit in four of his last five games. He also has eight RBI and three runs scored in that span. For the season, McCormick now has a .238/.323/.426 slash line across 300 plate appearances.
Aug 9 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's four-game run as the Astros' starting right fielder will come to an end with Kyle Tucker (illness) re-entering the lineup for the series opener. Though left field and center field remain somewhat unsettled for Houston while Michael Brantley (shoulder) is out indefinitely, Aledmys Diaz, Jake Meyers and Trey Mancini seem to be higher priorities than McCormick at this stage.
Aug 6 2022McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored Friday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros are still settling on their best combination in the outfield and designated hitter after the acquisition of Trey Mancini. McCormick was in the lineup for the second consecutive day Friday, but each of those starts have come with Aledmys Diaz (finger) and Kyle Tucker (illness) unavailable. McCormick has been sporadically productive -- he's maintained a .237/.327/.424 line across 269 plate appearances for the season -- but he is likely to lose considerable playing time once Diaz and Tucker are back.
Aug 4 2022McCormick went 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 6-0 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had RBI singles in the third and fifth innings before adding a solo home run in the seventh. This was his first multi-hit game since July 25. The outfielder is up to 11 homers, 29 RBI, 29 runs scored, a stolen base and a .236/.325/.425 slash line through 265 plate appearances. With the addition of Trey Mancini to the Astros' roster, McCormick's already shaky case for playing time is in more danger. He could get a short-term boost if Kyle Tucker (illness) misses more than just Thursday's game, but it appears McCormick is soon to be mainly a bench option.
Aug 3 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is on the bench for the second game in a row, and he may have a tough time recapturing a near-everyday role in the corner outfield after the Astros acquired Trey Mancini from the Orioles on Monday. At this point, McCormick's best bet for playing time may be in center field, where Jake Meyers' status as the everyday option at the position is on thin ice due to his ongoing slump. Rather than McCormick or Meyers, the Astros will turn to Mauricio Dubon in center field for Wednesday's series finale.
Jul 30 2022McCormick isn't starting Saturday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has hit .273 with a homer, a double, three RBI and two runs over his last seven games, but he'll retreat to the bench for a second consecutive matchup. Aledmys Diaz is starting in left field and batting seventh.
Jul 29 2022McCormick is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started the past six games and has an .891 OPS in the second half, but he'll take a seat for Friday's contests. Aledmys Diaz will man left field and bat seventh.
Jul 26 2022McCormick went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Monday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick took Lou Trivino yard in the ninth inning to tally his 10th homer of the season. He continues to get regular run in the absence of Michael Brantley (shoulder), and McCormick has hit particularly well in his last eight games by maintaining a .346 average with two homers, six RBI and five runs scored. If McCormick continues to perform, he could push Jake Meyers for playing time in center field once Brantley is ready to return.
Jul 22 2022McCormick is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 3-for-8 with a two-run homer while starting both games of Thursday's doubleheader with the Yankees. Aledmys Diaz will start in left field and bat seventh in Friday's series opener.
Jul 14 2022McCormick isn't starting Thursday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-4 with a strikeout Wednesday and will be held out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Jose Siri will take over in left field and bat eighth.
Jul 8 2022McCormick isn't starting Friday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started in the last two games and went 0-for-5 with a run, three walks and three strikeouts. Aledmys Diaz is taking over in left field and batting second Friday.
Jul 5 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros still have an opening in the everyday lineup while Michael Brantley (shoulder) remains on the injured list, but McCormick doesn't look as though he'll be a regular in the starting nine. He'll take a seat for the second game in a row while the Astros continue to take a committee approach to fill Brantley's spot. Utility man Aledmys Diaz will crack the lineup Tuesday, picking up a start at first base while Yuli Gurriel serves as Houston's designated hitter.
Jul 4 2022McCormick isn't starting Monday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started in the last three games and went 5-for-10 with two homers, three runs, three RBI, two walks and two strikeouts across that span. However, Mauricio Dubon will take over in left field and bat eighth Monday.
Jul 3 2022McCormick went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick drew his second consecutive start in left field, and he took advantage by slugging his eighth home run of the season. With Michael Brantley (shoulder) sidelined, McCormick has been battling with Aledmys Diaz for a regular spot in the lineup. McCormick has made the most of his recent opportunity, racking up four hits -- two of which were long balls -- across his last seven at-bats.
Jul 2 2022McCormick went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run Friday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick drew his second start in left field since being recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday. He delivered a two-run home run in the third inning, his seventh long ball of the campaign. McCormick has alternated his spot in the lineup with Aledmys Diaz, and a timeshare may continue until Michael Brantley (shoulder) is able to return from the injured list.
Jun 28 2022The Astros recalled McCormick from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. He'll start in left field and bat seventh in Houston's series opener with the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick and Jose Siri were both shipped out to Sugar Land over the weekend after Houston elected to proceed with the newly activated Jake Meyers as its primary option in center field moving forward. However, with Houston now in need of another outfielder with Michael Brantley (shoulder) landing on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, McCormick will be summoned from the minors just two days after his demotion. Though Brantley's absence creates an opening in Houston's everyday lineup, manager Dusty Baker is likely to turn to a combination of Mauricio Dubon, J.J. Matijevic, Aledmys Diaz and McCormick to fill the void rather than settling on one player as Brantley's replacement.
Jun 26 2022The Astros optioned McCormick to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick and Jose Siri had been serving as the Astros' primary center fielders for most of the season, but both players have now been sent back to Triple-A this weekend. After neither McCormick (.685 OPS in 172 plate appearances) nor Siri (.563 OPS in 141 plate appearances) did much to move the needle, the Astros appear prepared to give Jake Meyers a look as their main option in center field following Meyers' recent reinstatement from the 60-day injured list. Mauricio Dubon and J.J. Matijevic remain on hand as backup options behind Meyers.
Jun 18 2022McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored Friday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was in the lineup for only the third time in the last nine games, and he hit eighth while playing center field. He delivered an RBI single and came around to score in the sixth inning as part of a nine-run rally for Houston. Since the start of June, McCormick is hitting .174 with a 34.6 percent strikeout rate in 23 at-bats.
Jun 15 2022McCormick isn't starting Wednesday against the Rangers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Tuesday's win over the Rangers and will be out of the lineup for the sixth time in the last eight games. Jose Siri is starting in center field and batting eighth.
Jun 13 2022McCormick remains on the bench Monday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Through last Monday, McCormick had started 67 percent of the Astros' games. Since then, however, he's been in the lineup just once in six contests. Mauricio Dubon will be the one to handle center field Monday.
Jun 12 2022McCormick is not in Sunday's lineup against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is hitting .200 with seven strikeouts and one home run in 15 at-bats this month. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat ninth.
Jun 8 2022McCormick isn't starting Wednesday against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 2-for-8 with a homer, a walk and four strikeouts over his last two games, and he'll be out of the lineup for the fourth time in the last six matchups. Jose Siri will draw the start in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 7 2022McCormick is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather Tuesday after starting the Astros' last two games, going 2-for-8 with a solo home run in those contests. Jose Siri will man center field and bat ninth as the team faces Chris Flexen on the mound.
Jun 4 2022McCormick isn't starting Saturday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has gone 4-for-11 with a homer, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts over his last three games, and he'll be out of the lineup for a second consecutive matchup. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat eighth.
Jun 3 2022McCormick is not in Friday's lineup against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is hitting .194 with one home run and nine strikeouts over his last 10 games. Jose Siri will start in center field and hit eighth.
May 31 2022McCormick went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick tied the game with an RBI single in the fifth inning before adding a solo home run in the eighth to put the Astros ahead. This was his first multi-hit effort since May 16. The outfielder is slashing .230/.290/.421 with five homers, 14 RBI, 15 runs scored, a stolen base and seven doubles through 138 plate appearances this year. McCormick has started the last two games in right field with Kyle Tucker (foot) sidelined, but it's unlikely the former will see an everyday role once the latter rejoins the starting lineup.
May 29 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is 2-for-20 over his past seven games and will take a seat for the third time in the past five contests. Mauricio Dubon will man center field Sunday in his place.
May 27 2022McCormick is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has a .622 OPS through 18 games in May, and he'll head to the bench Friday for the third time in the past four contests. Jose Siri will replace him in the lineup for the series opener versus Seattle, as Houston now appears to be utilizing a timeshare in center field.
May 25 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will sit for the third time in six games and may have moved into a timeshare in the outfield with Jose Siri. The downturn in playing time comes while McCormick has produced a .688 OPS on the season; that's a 78-point drop from the mark he posted as a rookie in 2021.
May 23 2022McCormick isn't starting Monday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has gone 1-for-12 with a run, two walks and three strikeouts over his last four games, and he'll be on the bench for the second time in the last three matchups. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat eighth.
May 21 2022McCormick isn't starting Saturday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started in the last three games and went 1-for-9 with a run, a walk and three strikeouts. Jose Siri will take McCormick's place in center field and lead off Saturday.
May 17 2022McCormick will sit Tuesday against Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick sits after starting four of the last five games. He's struggled to get on base this season but has hit for some power, with his .242/.296/.444 slash line translating to a 120 wRC+. Jose Siri will take over in center field.
May 15 2022McCormick went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, two runs, a stolen base, a walk and a strikeout in Sunday's 8-0 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had gone just 1-for-17 with two RBI and six strikeouts over his five games prior to Sunday's matchup, but he gave the Astros some insurance against Washington with his third home run of the year. Over his last 15 games, the 27-year-old has hit .196 with three homers, 11 runs, eight RBI and a steal.
May 14 2022McCormick isn't starting Saturday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has gone 1-for-16 with an RBI and six strikeouts over his last six games, and he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last four matchups. Jose Siri will draw the start in center field and lead off.
May 11 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jose Siri will draw the start in center field after McCormick manned the position for three of the last four contests. McCormick is off to a slow start in May, having gone 2-for-22 with a home run, a triple and two walks through the Astros' first nine games of the month.
May 8 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll retreat to the bench for the series finale after he went 1-for-7 with a home run and two RBI between his consecutive starts to begin the weekend. Jose Siri will step in for McCormick in center field.
May 6 2022McCormick went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Friday's 3-2 victory over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick and Martin Maldonado went back-to-back off of Beau Brieske in the second inning, providing all of Houston's offense in the low-scoring win. It was his second home run of the year and first since April 27. The 27-year-old is now slashing .263/.313/.434 with eight extra-base hits through 83 plate appearances.
May 5 2022McCormick isn't starting Thursday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 0-for-2 with two runs, two walks and a strikeout in Wednesday's win over the Mariners, but he'll retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat eighth.
May 3 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's brief run as the Astros' leadoff hitter ended Monday, as Jose Altuve (hamstring) made his return from the 10-day injured list and immediately took back control of the table-setting role. Though he moved down to seventh in the order in Monday's 3-0 win and is now out of the lineup Tuesday, McCormick still appears fairly secure as the Astros' top center fielder. Jose Siri will fill in for him Tuesday, however.
May 2 2022McCormick is starting in center field and batting seventh in Monday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old led off in seven of the last eight games and hit .265 with a homer, a triple, three doubles, five runs and three RBI over that span. While he'll be one of the favorite options to serve as the leadoff man if Jose Altuve needs a day off, McCormick will likely hit in the bottom third of the Astros' lineup after Altuve was reinstated from the 10-day IL on Monday.
Apr 24 2022McCormick went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a double on Sunday against Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick hit atop the order for the first time this season in the absence of Jose Altuve (hamstring). He made an immediate impression, leading off the bottom of the first inning with a double. One frame later, McCormick delivered an RBI single. He's recently alternated starts with Jose Siri in center field and has delivered four hits across his last 18 at-bats, though Sunday's counting stats were his first in that span.
Apr 20 2022McCormick isn't starting Wednesday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went 2-for-4 in Tuesday's loss to the Angels, but he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat ninth.
Apr 18 2022McCormick is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll take a seat after four consecutive starts, opening up a spot in the outfield for Jose Siri. McCormick was hitless over his final two games to close out the Astros' weekend series in Seattle, but his .746 OPS on the season and solid performance in 2021 might be enough to keep him atop the depth chart in center field for now. However, Siri's hot start to 2022 (.956 OPS in 20 plate appearances) has kept him relevant in the Houston outfield.
Apr 13 2022McCormick went 3-for-4 with a run scored in a 3-2 loss Wednesday in Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick singled in his final three trips to the plate. He batted seventh and started in center field, moving to left in the 10th when Jose Siri took over in center. The 26-year-old has started four of the first six games for Houston and recorded at least one hit in each start. Last season, he made at least 20 starts at each of the three outfield spots but has yet to appear in right field in a game this season.
Apr 12 2022McCormick is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is 4-for-12 with two doubles and an RBI through four games this season but remains in the strong side of a platoon with Jose Siri in center field. Southpaw Madison Bumgarner is pitching Tuesday for Arizona, so Siri will receive the starting nod and bat ninth.
Apr 8 2022McCormick isn't starting Friday's game against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a strikeout Thursday. Jose Siri will start in center field and bat eighth.
Oct 29 2021McCormick is out of the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series in Atlanta on Friday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old will be the odd man out of the starting nine since the Astros don't have the benefit of a designated hitter in a National League park. Kyle Tucker will shift to center field while Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley start in the corner outfield spots. Barring any injuries, this figures to be Houston's outfield configuration for all three games in Atlanta.
Oct 27 2021McCormick is out of the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the Astros' World Series matchup with Atlanta, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Jake Meyers (shoulder) likely to miss the entirety of the World Series, McCormick drew the start in center field Tuesday in the Astros' 6-2 loss in Game 1, going 0-for-3 with an RBI. Though McCormick looks like he'll serve as the Astros' primary option at the position versus right-handed pitching, he'll take a seat Wednesday with southpaw Max Fried on the hill for Atlanta. Jose Siri will pick up the start in center field in McCormick's stead.
Sep 29 2021McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Michael Brantley (knee) returning from the injured list Wednesday, McCormick will likely have to vie with Jose Siri and Jake Myers for work in center field moving forward, while Brantley and Yordan Alvarez handle the left-field and designated-hitter spots. McCormick started in five of the past six games, going 6-for-20 with a walk, a run and an RBI.
Sep 21 2021McCormick is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started the past three games and will head to the bench after going 4-for-13 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a stolen base. Jose Siri will start in the outfield Tuesday for Houston.
Sep 20 2021McCormick went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday in the Astros' 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jose Siri and McCormick delivered back-to-back jacks in the eighth inning, with the latter's blast allowing Houston to reclaim the lead. McCormick finished the weekend with two starts in a row, but both he and Siri will see their playing time take a hit if Michael Brantley (knee) is able to make it back from the injured list later this week.
Sep 17 2021McCormick is not starting Friday against the Diamondbacks, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's out of the lineup for the second game in a row despite hitting a two-run homer while coming off the bench Thursday. Jose Siri, Jake Meyers and Kyle Tucker are set to start in the outfield from left to right Friday.
Sep 16 2021McCormick went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run in a 12-1 victory over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick entered as a defensive replacement for Kyle Tucker in the sixth inning and launched a two-run homer in his only at-bat in the eighth. The long ball was the 26-year-old's first since Aug. 6 and he now owns a .250/.309/.447 slash line in 94 games.
Sep 15 2021McCormick started in left field and went 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 8-1 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick got the start in place of primary left fielder Michael Brantley, who is out until at least Friday due to a balky knee. Brantley's absence will lead to a playing time shuffle among McCormick, Jake Meyers and Jose Siri (who started in center field Tuesday). McCormick has just two hits over the 20 at-bats since returning from a hand injury.
Sep 6 2021McCormick will sit Monday against Seattle, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started Friday in his return from a hand injury but has now been on the bench for three straight games. Jake Meyers remains the starter in center field.
Sep 5 2021McCormick is not starting Sunday's game against the Padres, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has appeared in two games since returning from the injured list and has gone 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts. Jake Meyers starts in center field and bats seventh Sunday.
Sep 4 2021McCormick will sit Saturday in San Diego, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick and Jake Myers are expected to split time in center field down the stretch, though it will be Kyle Tucker who starts there on this occasion. Michael Brantley slides to Tucker's usual spot in right field, with Yordan Alvarez moving out to left field due to the lack of a designated hitter under National League rules.
Sep 3 2021McCormick (hand) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and is starting Friday's game against the Padres, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick recently appeared in two rehab games at Triple-A Sugar Land and went 4-for-8 with a double, three runs and an RBI. He'll play center field and bat seventh in his return to the lineup Friday but may have to split playing time with Jake Meyers, who has been productive recently.
Aug 31 2021McCormick (hand) went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick began what is expected to be a two-day rehab assignment with the Skeeters and could rejoin the Astros later this week. He's hit well since becoming a lineup regular for Houston, but McCormick may not be returning as an everyday player. Jake Meyers (.883 OPS) has been a steady contributor since filling in for McCormick.
Aug 29 2021McCormick (hand) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The plan is for McCormick to play Monday and Tuesday for the Skeeters. If there are no setbacks, then he'll be activated Friday, Sept. 3, when the Astros kick off a three-game set against the Padres in San Diego. Jake Meyers has been filling in for McCormick in center field, but it's unclear if McCormick will resume an everyday role in center. Meyers has hit well since joining the Astros, posting an .871 OPS with three home runs, four doubles and 14 RBI over 20 games.
Aug 24 2021McCormick (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The issue has sidelined the outfielder since Saturday, so he'll be eligible to be activated Sep. 1, though it's not yet clear if he's expected to require additional time to recover. Kyle Tucker (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 IL to take McCormick's roster spot and Jake Meyers should assume the bulk of the center field reps in his absence.
Aug 23 2021McCormick (hand) isn't starting Monday's game against the Royals, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old will be excluded from the lineup for a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with left hand soreness. However, McCormick is still considered day-to-day and has appeared off the bench in each of the last two games. Jake Meyers will start in center field and bat seventh.
Aug 22 2021McCormick (hand) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Jake Kaplan of The Athletic, manager Dusty Baker said McCormick's sore left hand is presenting issues when he swings, so he'll be held out of the lineup for a second straight day. Since Baker noted that McCormick is considered day-to-day and will still be available off the bench Sunday to pinch run and play defense, the 26-year-old looks set to avoid a stint on the injured list.
Aug 21 2021McCormick was removed from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners due to left hand soreness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was scratched from the lineup with just under an hour remaining until the start of the game. The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but the outfielder should be considered day-to-day for now.
Aug 20 2021McCormick went 1-for-4 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Thursday's 6-3 extra-inning win over Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick broke a seven-game RBI drought by driving in single runs via a fielder's choice, a double and a walk with the bases loaded. He also extended a hit streak to seven games. The outfielder is batting .311 (19-for-61) in the 17 games since being handed an everyday role following the trade of Myles Straw.
Aug 8 2021McCormick went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had two hits in his third straight game Saturday. He drove in Kyle Tucker on a single in the second inning for the first run of the game. In addition, the 26-year-old stole second in the seventh inning. Over his last six games, he is batting .421. This season, he is slashing .253/.308/.489 with 11 long balls, 37 RBI, 34 runs and three steals in 201 plate appearances.
Aug 6 2021McCormick went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and two total runs scored in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings loss to Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder got his hits out of the way early, with a second-inning double and a solo shot in the fourth. He struck out in his final three at-bats. McCormick has put up three multi-hit efforts in his last five games. He's slashing .247/.305/.489 with 11 homers, 36 RBI, 34 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases through 197 plate appearances, although he's also posted a concerning 31.5 percent strikeout rate.
Aug 3 2021McCormick is not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With both Yordan Alvarez and Michael Brantley forced to play the outfield in the NL park, Kyle Tucker will shift to center field as McCormick moves to the bench. McCormick should continue to see substantial time in center field when Houston returns home Thursday.
Aug 2 2021McCormick went 2-for-4 in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has become the team's primary center fielder following the trade of Myles Straw, so he should see plenty of at-bats between now and the end of the season. The consistent at-bats could be what he needs to break out of a post-break slump in which he was 2-for-19 prior to Sunday's two-hit effort. He was productive as an everyday player when the Astros were without Michael Brantley and/or Kyle Tucker for stretch between May and June, belting six home runs in 75 at-bats.
Aug 1 2021McCormick started in center field and went 0-for-4 in Saturday's 8-6 loss to San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is Houston's primary center fielder after the team traded Myles Straw to Cleveland this past week, although he did not start Friday, as manager Dusty Baker wedged designated hitter Yordan Alvarez into the starting lineup in a National League ballpark. The Astros have three more games in NL cities on the trip -- Sunday's finale in San Francisco, followed by two games in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
Jul 30 2021McCormick isn't starting Friday against the Giants, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick could see an uptick in playing time after Myles Straw was traded to Cleveland on Friday, but he'll remain on the bench while Yordan Alvarez plays in the outfield in a National League park. Kyle Tucker will shift to center field in Friday's series opener.
Jul 9 2021McCormick went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and was caught stealing in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick started in center field for the resting Myles Straw and contributed a third multi-hit game in his last four starts, going 6-for-14 with three extra-base hits and six RBI during that run. He's up to 33 RBI over 55 games. Since the end of May, he's shown an ability to come off the bench and produce in spotty playing time. McCormick has an .897 OPS with seven home runs and 20 RBI over the last 30 games. There currently is no path to regular at-bats for him, but when he does get into the lineup, McCormick has a potent lineup around him that present RBI opportunities.
Jul 5 2021McCormick went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick, who has been filling in for Kyle Tucker (back spasms) in right field, singled home a run in the fourth, then gave Houston the lead with a two-run homer in the sixth. It was the 10th long ball of the season for McCormick, who went 4-for-11 with five RBI while replacing Tucker.
Jul 3 2021McCormick started in right field and went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 6-3 win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick filled in for Kyle Tucker, who was scratched due to back spasms. He's managed to make himself relevant despite inconsistent playing time. The 26-year-old outfielder has a .789 OPS with nine home runs and 29 RBI over 52 games.
Jun 23 2021McCormick went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Wednesday's win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick didn't start the contest, but he was brought in to replace Yordan Alvarez with Houston ahead by 11 runs in the seventh. He padded the lead with a 395-foot solo shot in the eighth. McCormick's .231 average on the season isn't impressive, but he has nonetheless been productive with nine homers and 27 RBI across 134 plate appearances.
Jun 21 2021McCormick went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in Sunday's 8-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is one of two young players producing for the Astros while regulars are sidelined -- Abraham Toro is the other. He's filled in at right field while Kyle Tucker (illness) has been unavailable and also filled in when Michael Brantley was on the injured list. McCormick is 9-for-30 with three home runs over the last eight contests. His presence in the lineup could be ending soon as Tucker, who felt good after a batting practice session Sunday, is expected to be activated off the COVID-19 protocols list during the three-game set against Baltimore, which kicks off Monday.
Jun 20 2021McCormick will start in right field and bat second Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick is in the lineup for the sixth game in a row while Kyle Tucker (illness) remains on the COVID-19 injured list. The rookie has gone 3-for-21 with a pair of home runs over the previous five contests, but his run of regular playing time will likely come to an end shortly. Tucker is expected to return to the Houston lineup at some point during the club's series in Baltimore that begins Monday, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle.
Jun 17 2021McCormick went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three total RBI in an 8-4 win over Texas on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was one of three players to blast two homers in the contest, joining teammate Jose Altuve and Texas' Eli White. McCormick's second-inning blast gave the Astros an early 3-0 lead, and his sixth-inning 438-foot long ball extended their lead to three runs again. The 26-year-old has gone deep four times in his past 18 at-bats and is batting .389 with five RBI overall during that stretch.
Jun 16 2021McCormick started in right field in place of Kyle Tucker (illness) on Tuesday and went 0-for-4 with a run scored in a 6-3 extra-inning win over Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick wore the golden sombrero, striking out four times in the game, but managed to score as the runner placed on second base to start the bottom of the 10th inning. He would likely start in right field again Wednesday if Tucker remains unavailable. McCormick came up through the system has a right fielder but has started there just twice in 2021, while also playing 12 in left field and seven in center.
Jun 14 2021McCormick went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in Sunday's 14-3 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick entered the blowout win late as a pinch hitter for Yordan Alvarez and swatted his sixth homer in 38 games. He made some noise when filling in for an injured Michael Brantley recently and has a 1.002 OPS over the last 13 games. He can play center field, which would be the most likely path to a starting assignment, but Myles Straw has hit well of late (11-for-24, 1.099 OPS, eight games), so McCormick will have to manage as the fourth outfielder.
Jun 9 2021McCormick is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had been filling a near-everyday role in the Houston lineup for the past two weeks, but he'll be on the bench for the second day in a row now that Michael Brantley (hamstring) is back from the injured list. The rookie will likely serve as Houston's fourth outfielder moving forward.
Jun 6 2021McCormick went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick doubled Houston's lead to 2-0 with his second-inning homer. The outfielder has hit safely in seven of his last nine games, but he hasn't recorded a multi-hit effort in that span. He's slashing a mere .200/.289/.400 with five homers, 19 RBI, 17 runs scored and two stolen bases in 90 plate appearances. McCormick will likely continue to see consistent playing time until Michael Brantley (hamstring) returns, which could be as soon as Tuesday.
Jun 5 2021McCormick isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Blue Jays, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick will get a breather after he went 2-for-8 with a double, two runs and a walk across his last two games. Aledmys Diaz will start in left field and bat seventh.
Jun 2 2021McCormick isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had started each of the last five games and went 4-for-16 with a home run, five RBI, four runs and five walks during that time. Yordan Alvarez will start in left field while Jose Altuve serves as the designated hitter.
May 30 2021McCormick started in left field and went 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 11-8 extra-innings loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick made his second consecutive start in left field in place of the injured Michael Brantley (hamstring), who will be on the injured list until at least June 8. He's reached base safely five times and delivered two sacrifice flies over 11 plate appearances in the two starts. The 26-year-old, who stole is second base of the season, has recorded two consecutive seasons with double-digit steals, swiping 19 bags in 2018 and 16 in 2019. Beyond McCormick, the Astros can use Aledmys Diaz in left field, but he's been needed at DH the last two days with Yordan Alvarez (wrist) unavailable.
May 29 2021McCormick went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Friday's 10-3 extra-innings loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's name was all over the game before Houston's bullpen surrendered eight runs in extra frames. HIs two-run home run in the fourth inning gave the Astros a lead, and he tied the game in the bottom of the 10th with a sacrifice fly. In between, his bid for a grand slam was caught at the warning track. McCormick started in left field in place of Michael Brantley, who landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury. He's batting just .188 for the season, but six of McCormick's nine hits have gone for extra bases, including four that left the yard.
May 22 2021McCormick went 2-for-4 with a solo home run during Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old went deep during the second inning to give Houston an early 3-0 lead, and it ended up being the team's only extra-base hit of the contest. McCormick has a .211/.279/.500 slash line in 43 plate appearances and should continue to see occasional opportunities in the outfield.
May 17 2021McCormick went 1-for-3 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick had a bases-loaded single as part of a four-run, eighth-inning uprising that seized the lead and secured the win. The backup outfielder got a rare start, playing left field in place of Michael Brantley, who served as the designated hitter Sunday. Aledmys Diaz is usually the first choice to back up at corner outfield, but the Astros need to keep McCormick fresh, so he was given the start Sunday. He's batting .176 with a .668 OPS over 39 plate appearances.
May 12 2021McCormick went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in the Astros' 9-1 win over the Angels on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick went deep off Patrick Sandoval with two on in the eighth inning. The 26-year-old doesn't start very often, but he took advantage of the opportunity Wednesday. He has only 34 plate appearances this season, and is slashing .167/.235/.433. The outfielder has two home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs.
Apr 29 2021McCormick started in left field and went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 7-5 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick slipped into left field with Michael Brantley serving as the designated hitter after Houston placed Yordan Alvarez on the COVID-19 protocols list. The Astros are not sure about the specifics of Alvarez's situation, and manager Dusty Baker told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com that it could be nothing. If Alvarez needs multiple days, the domino effect of a lineup shuffle could lead to at-bats for McCormick.
Apr 22 2021McCormick started in center field, batted leadoff and went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick got the start in center field with Myles Straw (illness) unavailable and was the latest fill-in at leadoff with Jose Altuve (COVID-19 protocols) out. Manager Dusty Baker used Kyle Tucker and Straw before McCormick, and it's evident the Astros are missing their ignitor atop the lineup.
Apr 18 2021McCormick went 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base in the 7-2 loss to the Mariners on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick swiped his first bag of the season after drawing a walk Sunday. He eventually scored after putting himself in scoring position. The 25-year-old only started his third game this season, but has taken advantage with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in those three starts.
Apr 4 2021McCormick went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Sunday's win over Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick made his first career major-league start Sunday and marked the occasion with his first career homer, a three-run shot in the seventh inning against Yusmeiro Petit that extended the Astros' lead to seven. McCormick may not find himself in the starting lineup too often this season, but he made the most of his opportunity Sunday with Michael Brantley out with a minor wrist injury.
Mar 29 2021McCormick started in center field during a "B" game against the Marlins on Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick has more familiarity with corner outfield, but he could be pressed into duty in center field pending the status of Myles Straw, who is away from the club for health and safety protocols. If Straw's status prevents him from playing when the regular season begins, then McCormick or Kyle Tucker could start in center field. Neither player has much experience at the position, but both of been exposed to it during spring training. The Astros have other in-house options with more experience in center, but they present 40-man roster complications.
Mar 28 2021The Astros informed McCormick on Sunday that he will be included on the team's Opening Day roster, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Heading into the weekend, McCormick already looked to be in decent shape to make the roster as a reserve outfielder, but Myles Straw's placement in MLB's COVID-19 health and safety protocol was enough for McCormick to officially secure his spot with Houston. Provided Straw hasn't tested positive for the virus and is able to clear the protocol before Opening Day, he should still be in line for primary duties in center field, with McCormick representing his top backup. McCormick has posted strong walk rates throughout his minor-league career, and while he lacks Straw's high-end speed, he boasts the far more potent bat of the two. McCormick could get an opportunity in center field if Straw falters in his first taste of everyday playing time in the majors.
Feb 25 2021McCormick is competing for a reserve role in the Astros' outfield this spring, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick was on the Astros' roster for the wild card and ALDS playoff series', though he never made it on the field. Entering 2021, he's set to fight for the fourth outfielder role with Jose Siri and Steven Souza. If McCormick wins that competition, he could excel on the basepaths as he swiped 16 bags across 110 games at both Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock in 2019.
Oct 11 2020The Astros optioned McCormick to their taxi squad Sunday ahead of Game 1 of the team's ALCS matchup with the Rays, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though McCormick was included on the Astros' roster for each of the previous two rounds of the postseason, he didn't get the chance to make his MLB debut. Rather than keeping McCormick around for the ALCS as a luxury fifth outfielder, Houston decided to swap him out for a long-relief option in Chase De Jong.
Sep 29 2020McCormick will join the Astros' roster for the Wild Card Series against the Twins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick's first taste of the big leagues could wind up coming during the postseason. He's unlikely to fill a major role, as he's a fringe prospect who posted a 94 wRC+ in 57 games for Triple-A Round Rock in 2019. He'll give the team added flexibility off the bench, however, and in particular can free up bench outfielder Myles Straw to use his speed as a pinch runner.
Jun 28 2020McCormick was named to the Astros' 60-man player pool Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: McCormick, who is not on the 40-man roster, is a 25-year-old outfielder that reached Triple-A Round Rock in 2019. He combined for 16 home runs, 66 RBI and an .818 OPS over 448 plate appearances for Round Rock and Double-A Corpus Christi. There are six outfielders in the team's player pool that are already on the 40-man, so McCormick is a longshot to make an impact in 2020.