The Houston Astros started the year off being swept by the New York Yankees, which, to many, was a massive disappointment against the rival. They then began a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays with a performance to remember from Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter to open the series and get the Astros their first win of the year. They took the series against the Blue Jays 2-1 and now sit at 2-5 on the year. They face division rival Texas Rangers starting Friday, April 5th, in Arlington for a four-game series. It’s early in the season, but this could be a massive series for the Astros; if they were to lose this series, it would shove them further down in the standings in the AL West. Today, on their off day, they announce several roster moves before the big divisional rival series with the Rangers.
RHP – Penn Murfee
The Astors transferred Murfee from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list with Right elbow surgery.
RHP – Luis Garcia
The Astros transferred Garcia from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list with Right elbow surgery today. Garcia only made six starts last season before being shut down. He recorded a 2-2 record with a 4.00 ERA on the year. He threw 27 innings, allowing 25 hits, 12 runs, 10 walks, and 31 strikeouts, and had a 1.30 WHIP last year.
RHP – Miguel Diaz
The Astros claimed Diaz off waivers from the Detroit Tigers and activated him today on their off day. Diaz has yet to pitch this year, and it will be interesting to see what the Astros have in store for him. He has appeared in 87 games in his career, making eight starts in 126.1 innings of work. He has a 4.84 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, one save, and struck out 132 batters.
C – Cooper Hummel
The Astros claimed Hummel off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and have optioned him to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Hummel has yet to play a game this season, but in his career, he has slugged .166/.264/.286 with a .550 OPS.
RHP – Dylan Coleman
The Astros have optioned Coleman to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys today. He has appeared in one game for the Astros, throwing one inning, with one strikeout and a WHIP of 1.00 on the season with the Astros.
Wrap Up:
The Astros were shuffling pitchers around on the injured list today and made a claim on Hummel to bolster their organization’s Catcher depth by sending him to Triple-A after claiming him from the Giants. As much as it hurts to see Garcia head to the 60-day injured list, it is by no means a shock considering his injury. The team will look to get back closer to .500 as they take on the division rival Rangers this coming weekend!
