While s health has been a question all year for the Astros , the veteran told members of the media on Friday (including ) that he will be 100% available for the postseason with no limitations. Thats certainly positive news for Houston, although it doesnt fully line up with comments GM Dana Brown and manager Dusty Baker made the day before. Its unclear if Brantley has progre sed over the past 24 hours, or if he is simply more optimistic about his health. Brown told reporters on Thursday (including ) that Brantley felt good enough to be on the roster, and that the five-time All-Star would be playable throughout the postseason. Meanwhile, Baker was prepared to take anything he could get from Brantley, Whether we get him for two games, one game, or whatever. While playable isnt the same thing as no limitations, the ultimate takeaway is that Brantley feels healthy enough to merit a spot on the 26-man postseason roster. The left-fielder/DH mi sed the first five months of the season with a shoulder injury, and even after he returned, the pain had not entirely disappeared. He sat out for ten days in mid-September Elfrid Payton Jersey , appearing in only three of the Astros final 12 games. His numbers in 2023 were pa sable but uninspiring; he finished with a .724 OPS in 57 trips to the plate. However, if he really is back to full strength, Brantley could be a difference-maker in the ALDS. The last time he was fully healthy, he slashed .288/.370/.416 with a 127 wRC+ over the first three months of the 2022 campaign. He has been especially dangerous against right-handed pitching throughout his career, and the Twins Houstons ALDS opponents have an all right-handed starting rotation. Here are some other updates from the postseason teams in the AL West: In more Astros news, confirmed to reporters (including ) that the elbow pain he was dealing with in September is no longer a concern. The slugger hit .293/.441/.620 during the final month of the season, earning AL Player of the Month honors for his efforts. However, he started in left field only twice over the final two weeks as he dealt with discomfort in his elbow. Evidently, that minor injury i sue is a problem no more. While Alvarez isnt a strong outfield defender, his ability to play the field gives Dusty Baker added flexibility when filling out the lineup card. For instance, the DH spot could give Brantley some time off his feet or backup catcher an opportunity to get in the lineup more frequently. Acro s the state, Rangers starter continues taking steps toward a potential return this postseason. As GM told , Scherzer could attempt to throw to live hitters today, which would be another promising sign of progre s for the veteran. He threw a bullpen se sion on Wednesday, and it is encouraging that he feels strong enough to throw again two days later. Until quite recently, the chances of Scherzing pitching again in 2023 seemed slim. Over the past few weeks, however, the 39-year-old has advanced to a point where it doesnt seem impo sible he could play a role in the ALDS. Still, the Rangers continue to urge caution. Im not getting ahead of ourselves, Young said. We will see where he is tomorrow and go from there. Dick Barnett Jersey