The Houston Astros made a couple of roster moves on Saturday ahead of their game with the Tampa Bay Rays. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that the Astros would be placing outfielder Chas McCormick on the 10-day IL, and recalling infielder Shay Whitcomb. The move is retroactive to May 30th.
Chas McCormick is going on the IL with a left oblique strain. Shay Whitcomb has been called up.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 31, 2025
Another Injury for the Depleted Astros
Entering play on Saturday, the Astros are 31-26 and once again hold the top spot in the AL West. Given that they have 10 players on the IL, including now four outfielders, with Chas McCormick being the most recent addition. Chandler Rome reports that McCormick injured himself on a check swing in Thursday night’s game.
Despite the injuries, the Astros are still doing what they do best. Holding water in the AL West while their starting pitching is depleted, and their lineup isn’t close to what they want it to be, with Yordan Alvarez also on the mend.
The Astros are hopeful to get Alvarez back soon and keep on winning baseball games.
Chas McCormick to the Injured List
McCormick, 30, hasn’t quite been the hitter he was from 2021-2023. That has caused him to cede playing time to the likes of Cam Smith and Jake Meyers in the outfield. Even still, he’s a steady defensive presence that gives the Astros versatility in the outfield. He’s been worth one out above average in the outfield on the season. He is hitting .256 with a .649 OPS with no homers and only two doubles in 53 plate appearances.
Infielder Shay Whitcomb is being brought up to replace McCormick on the roster. Whitcomb, 26, adds even more versatility to the Astros as they attempt to patch this team together for the long haul and a potential postseason run. He’s played six different positions down in Triple-A this year, and is only missing time at catcher and centerfield.
All told, Whitcomb has been plenty productive at the dish. He is hitting .275 with a .956 OPS. His profile could see him become MLB’s next super utility player, given his 18 homers across 235 plate appearances in the minors. If he can put it together in the majors, he’ll be a great addition to the Astros as they fight to stay relevant through injuries.
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