Carlos Correa, once hailed as the finest defensive player on the field, might be shifting to a new position as he eyes a return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since May. If he makes his comeback, it would be his third different infield position this season as the Houston Astros push for an American League playoff spot.

In Florida, where Correa is undergoing rehabilitation, he took ground balls at second base, according to a report from Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Throughout his 12-year MLB career, Correa has earned accolades such as the Platinum Glove at shortstop in 2021 before moving to third base last season, yet he has not played at second base before.

The Astros have a strategic reason for this potential move. Isaac Paredes, a standout with a 3.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and 21 home runs this season, has proven to be the team’s top position player, thus they aim to keep him at third base. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Jose Altuve has seen his defensive skills decline, ranking among the lower tiers for second basemen. Correa’s defensive prowess surpasses both Paredes and Altuve’s in their respective positions, which benefits the team.

A relocation of Altuve to designated hitter could pose a dilemma, as Yordan Alvarez would then play left field. Alvarez, known for his powerful hitting, might face increased physical strain in the field.

Despite these lineup considerations, the Astros’ priority remains securing a playoff spot. Competing closely with the Texas Rangers for the AL West title, there’s little room for experimentation. The team’s decision regarding Correa’s role needs immediate success; otherwise, instead of participating in October baseball, Correa might be watching the playoffs from home.

More MLB: After Injury Setback, Red Sox Ace Trending Back Toward Return