6 days agoHouston Astros infielder
Zach Dezenzo (jaw) is back in the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Thursday against the Miami Marlins, playing right field and batting cleanup. Dezenzo suffered a TMJ sprain in his jaw when he was hit in the face by a ground ball on Tuesday. The 24-year-old was cleared to play on Thursday after he avoided a concussion. He will now resume competing for one of the team's final roster spots out of camp as a bench player after playing in his first 19 major-league games in 2024. In 65 plate appearances, Dezenzo went 15-for-62 (.242) with two home runs, eight RBI and five runs scored. He's been better in spring training, going 14-for-37 (.378) with two homers, six RBI, a steal and seven runs scored in 15 Grapefruit League contests. Dezenzo is still developing as a hitter and won't carry much value in fantasy as a bench player if he makes the Opening Day roster.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
1 week agoHouston Astros infield prospect
Zach Dezenzo (face) suffered a TMJ sprain during Tuesday's spring training contest. Dezenzo was hit by a ground ball on the right side of his face. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com noted that this injury is not expected to be serious, but he will undergo another exam. The 24-year-old has been swinging a hot bat throughout camp, holding a .378/.410/.622 slash line with two long balls and three doubles. The Ohio State product made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .242/.277/.371 slash line with two doubles and two home runs across 19 contests. In 25 games at Triple-A last season, Dezenzo posted an impressive .333/.425/.573 slash line with eight doubles and five home runs. If he were to make the Opening Day roster, he could have value in deeper AL-only formats as a depth infielder.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Brian McTaggart
1 week agoHouston Astros corner infielder
Zach Dezenzo (head) was forced to exit early during Tuesday's spring training contest against the Washington Nationals. Dezenzo was hit in the head by a ground ball, but was able to leave the field under his own power. It's worth noting that the 24-year-old appeared to be dealing with a jaw issue while exiting the field. The expectation is that the Astros will have Dezenzo undergo imaging to determine the severity of the issue. Dezenzo was poised to take on a bigger role in Houston this season, so hopefully it's only a minor issue.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
1 month agoAccording to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Houston Astros prospects
Brice Matthews,
Zach Dezenzo, and Cam Smith will get opportunities at new positions during spring training. Matthews, who is primarily a shortstop, will see time at the keystone. Dezenzo, who has played primarily in the infield, will see starts at left and right field. In addition, Cam Smith will continue to see time at the hot corner and will also see a few opportunities in the outfield. Matthews spent most of the 2024 season at the Double-A level and earned a brief look at Triple-A late in the season. Dezenzo logged 19 games in Houston last season and held a .242/.277/.371 line with two doubles and two home runs. The Astros acquired Cam Smith from the Chicago Cubs in the
Kyle Tucker trade earlier this offseason. Smith was drafted with the 14th overall pick in last year's draft and is viewed as the top prospect in the system. Dezenzo has the best chance to make the Opening Day roster out of camp, while Matthews will have to see more time at Triple-A to reach the big leagues.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
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