Yuli Gurriel will play more at all four infield positions this season to give Astros manager A.J. Hinch more options in games and with the roster.

Gurriel has the experience and enthusiasm to do it. At spring training last year, the Astros turned Gurriel into a full-time first baseman, which was a new position for him. He had played second, shortstop and third base in his years playing for the Cuban national team.

“His versatility needs to be utilized a little bit more,” Hinch said. “I was happy with how he looked at third base, how he looked at second.”

According to Statcast™, Gurriel sported a .320 batting average, and slugged .583 with eight home runs during the regular season against sliders, ranking him fifth among 66 hitters with at least 100 at-bats decided on the pitch. He also hit well against fastballs, combining to hit .308 and slugging .484 with seven home runs against four-seamers, two-seamers and sinkers during the regular season.
No matter the pitch, Gurriel hits the ball hard. He has always hit the ball hard.