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The Houston Astros are making some changes to their Major League roster as they prepare for a three-game series in San Francisco. Houston announced that it has claimed outfielder Nelson Velázquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, adding another potential power bat to the organization.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated infielder/outfielder Shay Whitcomb for assignment.
MORE: Most dangerous MLB team right now isn’t even in a playoff spot
Jul 7, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Nelson Velazquez (38) hits a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Velázquez, 27, began the season with the Cardinals on a minor league contract before earning a promotion to the majors in late May.
He remained with St. Louis for a little more than two months before the Cardinals designated him for assignment after recently claiming Everson Pereira.
During his time in the majors, Velázquez struggled to consistently make contact, striking out in 30.1% of his plate appearances. However, he did provide some power, hitting four home runs while posting a .216/.289/.432 slash line.
His overall production translated to a 98 wRC+, meaning he performed 2% below league average offensively.
Velázquez’s defensive limitations make his bat particularly important. If he is going to provide meaningful value for Houston, the Astros will need him to rediscover the offensive production that made him an intriguing player.
MORE: Major League Baseball releases 2026 playoff schedule
Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Shay Whitcomb (10) throws to first base in third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The corresponding move ends Whitcomb’s current run on Houston’s 40-man roster.
The Astros selected Whitcomb in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and he first reached the majors on August 16, 2024, after an impressive Triple-A season in which he hit .293/.378/.530.
Unfortunately, that production hasn’t carried over to the majors.
Whitcomb has received just 102 plate appearances at the MLB level and owns a .167/.216/.292 slash line. His offensive numbers have also declined at Triple-A.
Now, Houston has decided to move on, creating an opportunity for Velázquez to potentially carve out a role as the Astros head into another important stretch of the season.
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To make room on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated infielder/outfielder Shay Whitcomb for assignment.
MORE: Most dangerous MLB team right now isn’t even in a playoff spot
Astros take a chance on Velázquez
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Jul 7, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Nelson Velazquez (38) hits a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Velázquez, 27, began the season with the Cardinals on a minor league contract before earning a promotion to the majors in late May.
He remained with St. Louis for a little more than two months before the Cardinals designated him for assignment after recently claiming Everson Pereira.
During his time in the majors, Velázquez struggled to consistently make contact, striking out in 30.1% of his plate appearances. However, he did provide some power, hitting four home runs while posting a .216/.289/.432 slash line.
His overall production translated to a 98 wRC+, meaning he performed 2% below league average offensively.
Velázquez’s defensive limitations make his bat particularly important. If he is going to provide meaningful value for Houston, the Astros will need him to rediscover the offensive production that made him an intriguing player.
MORE: Major League Baseball releases 2026 playoff schedule
Whitcomb loses his roster spot
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Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Shay Whitcomb (10) throws to first base in third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The corresponding move ends Whitcomb’s current run on Houston’s 40-man roster.
The Astros selected Whitcomb in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and he first reached the majors on August 16, 2024, after an impressive Triple-A season in which he hit .293/.378/.530.
Unfortunately, that production hasn’t carried over to the majors.
Whitcomb has received just 102 plate appearances at the MLB level and owns a .167/.216/.292 slash line. His offensive numbers have also declined at Triple-A.
Now, Houston has decided to move on, creating an opportunity for Velázquez to potentially carve out a role as the Astros head into another important stretch of the season.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
