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Somewhat worrying news out of Astros camp this morning. First baseman Japhet Amador, who the Astros signed out of the Mexican League late last season, will not be reporting Wednesday and may not be at spring training at all. General Manager Jeff Luhnow held a press conference this morning to announce it:
Japhet Amador won’t be reporting by today, family emergency.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 19, 2014
Amador remains home in Mexico. No timetable on when he arrives
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 19, 2014
Astros are proceeding as if Japhet Amador will not be here during spring training, Jeff Luhnow said
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 19, 2014
Japhet Amador will not go on the restricted list, at least for now. Astros will talk to Mexican league about how to handle.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 19, 2014
As Steve E. notes, that last bit is a pretty big deal:
The fact Houston could put Amador on the restricted list (which is reserved for inactive players) means this is a very serious situation.
— Steve E. (@KevinBassStache) February 19, 2014
Luhnow also acknowledged that Amador was going to be in the mix for the starting job at first base this spring. He may not have had much of a chance, but he still would have been there, providing competition at one of the most wide-open spots on the roster.
I'm just guessing here, but I agree with Steve. This has to be a very serious situation if the Astros are taking these steps. Hopefully, everything will work out for Amador and he can get back to playing for the Astros soon. In the meantime, our thoughts are with him.
