Astros Rumors: Michael Brantley expected to back up José Abreu at first base after recovering from shoulder surgery

The latest Houston Astros rumors suggest that Michael Brantley could be headed for a new position. With the outfielder still recovering from shoulder surgery, the Astros rumors suggest that Brantley could be their backup first baseman.

Houston signed Jose Abreu this offseason to be the everyday first baseman, taking over for the incredibly ineffective duo of Yuli Gurriel and Trey Mancini.

With neither of those two players still on the roster at this point, the Astros have to explore other options. Brantley makes sense since he's a corner outfield and first base would do a better job of protecting his shoulder.

Brantley said via MLB.com:

“We’ll see how it goes. At the same time, it’s a team-first approach always. I’ve always been like that. If I can help the team out in any way, I’ll be available. It’s a lot of hard work. I’m learning a lot very quickly, but it’s all been going smoothly so far.”

Brantley has never played anywhere but the three outfield positions during his MLB career, which now spans 14 seasons. It will certainly be an adjustment for the outfielder.

Brantley admitted as much:

"I’m just trying to learn and do the best of my ability and get the footwork down, make accurate throws, find new arm slots. It’s an adjustment period, but it’s kind of fun. I always enjoy taking ground balls. I get to do it a little more often.”

Yainer Diaz, one of the Astros' top prospects, could come up to play some first base, but that's not a dependable option right now. Brantley could be.

Astros Rumors: Michael Brantley's injury is progressing well

Michael Brantley also spoke of his injury and subsequent recovery:

“Like everybody else, I’ve been hitting in the tunnels. Everything is going well. I kind of like where my swing’s at right now. I think I’m too ahead of schedule with my swing, but I feel good where it is. Now we’re just making adjustments of timing and contact points. It’s all been good, all trending in the right direction.”