Houston’s second baseman hit three and registered a pair of RBIs against his former team on Monday.
May 2, 2023Updated: May 2, 2023 11:46 am
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 1: Houston Astros’ Mauricio Dubon #14 reacts to hitting an RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Mauricio Dubón didn’t mince words when he met the media on Monday night after the Astros’ 7-3 win over the Giants.
Houston’s second baseman — at least until Jose Altuve returns — continued his brilliant 2023 season as he hit three, conceded two runs and registered two RBI against the National League West roster. And the strong performance came with a dose of revenge for the 28-year-old. What was once a rising player in the San Francisco organization was traded to Houston in May 2022, ending a period of frustration for Dubón after sporadic play with the Giants. He raised the issue when speaking to the media after the game, noting he now feels “in heaven” under the tutelage of Houston manager Dusty Baker.
“It’s just, you know, I wasn’t treated right [in San Fransisco]Dubón told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart after the game. “Coming out here and being a family here and being able to play the way I’m able to play right now, it brings out the human side of me.”
— brianmctaggart Twitter
The outstanding performance on Monday was not an isolated event for Dubón. He was one of baseball’s leading tablesetters in 2023, averaging a .317 batting average with 20 runs scored in 24 games. He recorded 20-plus games for most of April and, intangible, Dubón’s athleticism and aggression add serious spark to a Houston lineup currently plagued by injuries and some underperforming on the plate. It’s unlikely Houston would be above .500 on Tuesday without last season’s Dubón takeover.
Dubón’s spot as Houston’s second base could expire as early as this month as Altuve works his way back from his thumb surgery. However, a distance from his everyday spot in the infield shouldn’t stop him from playing at bats (at least semi-) regularly for the remainder of the 2023 season. Dubón has extensive midfield experience and he could either take on the job straight away or play a key role in a rotation with Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers. There will also likely be some stress management from Altuve ahead of the postseason, allowing Dubón to find additional at-bats both at second base and as a potential designated hitter.
Houston’s three-game streak against Dubón’s former team resumes Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT.
Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Rockets, Astros and every team in town. A Denver native, University of Texas at Austin graduate, Michael is a noted fan of three-piece pull-ups, wide receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.
