Luhnow said that Marisnick's offensive surge played a role in the decision:
Luhnow says Marisnick's resurgence played into Gomez decision. pic.twitter.com/T5WuLjx0jQ— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 10, 2016
Marisnick has a hit in seven of his last eight games, and if you are looking for a "start" to his "resurgence," from July 23 through last night, Marisnick is hitting .286/.286/.500 in these 15 games. So your outfield - as of now - is Kemp, Marisnick, Springer. Tucker is getting the start at DH tonight against the Twins. With Rasmus on the DL, the only other outfield option on the 40-Man is Andrew Aplin. Of course when Yulieski Gurriel comes up, it shifts Bregman to the outfield. But that's a week or so away.
As far as Gomez goes, it had to happen. I didn't think it would happen, but here we are. I'll have some more thoughts as the evening goes on (i.e., after my daughter goes to bed), but Gomez's play had just become untenable.
There are 196 players in MLB with at least 300 plate appearances. FanGraphs' offensive numbers gave him a -15.4 with the bat, which was 187th out of those 196 players. Of 73 outfielders with 300 PAs, Gomez ranked 72nd (Rasmus ranks 70th, by the by). Gomez is one seven outfielders with a negative fWAR. Seemingly the play from Monday night was the final nail in the coffin for Gomez's Astros tenure.
More later.
