Houston Astros Announce Roster Changes Ahead of Vital Detroit Tigers Series

The Houston Astros continue to struggle, and while it’s still early, this can only be the story of so long before these results are simply the reality of what this team can and will accomplish.

Heading into a six-game road trip, things didn’t get off to a good start against the New York Yankees when they were outscored 19-7 in their first two games. Fortunately, they managed to save the final and win 4-3 to avoid another sweep from their rivals.

Now they head to another American League opponent starting Friday in a weekend.

This is an important point for the Astros because, although the Detroit Tigers are much improved from previous versions, they are an opponent worth dominating.

If Houston is unable to win this series, then alarm bells should ring immediately after Sunday’s finale.

But before this game, the Astros announced some roster changes.

According to Chandler Rome of Athleticismthey activated Grae Kessinger from the injured list and offered Jacob Amaya to Triple-A. He also reported Houston claimed right-handed reliever Alex Speas off waivers from the Oakland Athletics and sent him to Triple-A. Corey Julks was then tabbed to open a spot on the 40-man roster.

Kessinger has been out of the Major League since late April, when he was placed on 10-day IL due to right shoulder discomfort. He was expected to play a fairly large role this season, but he struggled at the plate going 0-10 in his eight games.

Julks is an interesting decision.

He debuted with the Astros last season and appeared in 93 games, hitting .245/.297/.352 with six home runs, 20 extra-base hits and 33 RBIs.

However, after his demotion in late August, he has not appeared in a single MLB game since then and can now be claimed by another team following his DFA.

Speas has struggled in his three appearances with the A’s in 2023, allowing three earned runs in his two innings pitched, while also being credited with two losses and a blown save. Amaya appeared in five games for Houston over the last two years and went 2-10 during that span.

The Astros hope to start things off on the right foot by starting Framber Valdez on Friday. Then comes the return of Cristian Javier on Saturday and Justin Verlander on Sunday.