Astros announce multiple roster moves ahead of Athletics game

Matt Sullivan

•
Astros announce multiple roster moves ahead of Athletics game image

The Houston Astros are looking to bounce back after dropping the first game of their series against the Athletics. With less than a week until the trade deadline, the roster is expected to undergo some changes.

Ahead of the Astros' second game against the Athletics, the team announced that it made four roster moves, including an unfortunate injury that sends a pitcher to the injured list amid a solid season.

Houston is placing left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. Taking his place on the active roster is right-handed pitcher Nick Hernandez.

They also claimed infielder Logan Davidson from the Athletics and optioned him to Triple-A. With Davidson going on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson was designated for assignment.

It's a slew of roster moves, with two players standing out as the most important. Walter had been pitching well for Houston this season. In nine starts, he had a 3.35 ERA with 52 strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP over 54.2 innings.

His role in the rotation was important, with multiple other starters injured. His placement on the injured list is the eighth starter to be on the injured list. While Spencer Arrighetti and Cristian Javier are working their way back, the rotation is banged up.

Adding a new starting pitcher at the deadline is a possibility, and with this injury, such a need might become a lot more pressing. But, Walter isn't the only player of note from this announcement.

MORE: Astros named a 'strong trade fit' for Braves three-time All-Star silver slugger

Davidson is a 27-year-old infielder who was drafted in the first round in 2019 by the Athletics. He played in nine games in the Majors for the Athletics, hitting .150 with a .461 OPS.

Houston is claiming the switch-hitter and sending him to Triple-A. In the minor leagues this season, he's hitting .263 with a .809 OPS. He's been a solid minor leaguer, but didn't find his footing in his brief MLB stint this season.

With the Astros' plethora of injuries, he'd be a potential depth piece who could play first base, second base, shortstop, third base, and potentially left field. He might not be a huge part of the team this season, but he's someone who the Astros can have in their back pocket, just in case.

Davidson, being claimed, is interesting, as he could be a depth piece for the offense amid their plethora of injuries. But the biggest news from this announcement is Walters' injury. Losing another starter is a tough blow and further emphasizes the need ahead of the deadline.

MORE MLB NEWS:

Matt Sullivan

Matt Sullivan is a freelance writer for The Sporting News, predominantly covering MLB. Matt is a native of Pennsylvania and has worked with Athlon Sports, Last Word on Sports, and other outlets.