Astros Must Make Pivotal Call on Promising Utilityman's Future

The Houston Astros must decide Mauricio Dubón's fate with the franchise ahead of MLB Opening Day. Dubón is out of minor league options, so he must either make the 26-man roster, and remain there, or risk being lost to another team on waivers.

Per the new CBA, a player has three options, which means that he can be sent to the minor leagues over the course of three different seasons but no more than five times a season. 

The Astros will have to decide between Dubón, David Hensley, J.J. Matijevic, and Bligh Madris for their two bench spots that will be open. Hensley is a near lock as he can play across the diamond and in the outfield. 

Dubón likely holds the edge over the other two due to his versatility and the simple fact that he does not have any options available. The versatile utilityman who has a career .244/.287/.366 slashline would likely not pass waivers. 

That makes him a pretty good lock to make the Opening Day roster, but the fact he has no remaining options means that his time as an Astros will likely come to an end if he doesn't earn a 26-man roster spot.