The Astros added another name to their crowded outfield mix Sunday, claiming switch-hitting outfielder Jorge Barrosa off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and optioning Jake Meyers to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Barrosa, 25, was designated for assignment by Arizona on Friday. The Astros also transferred right-hander Mike Burrows to the 60-day injured list to create a spot for Barrosa on the 40-man roster. Barrosa is expected to join the team in Philadelphia for its three-game series against the Phillies.
The move is more interesting than a routine waiver claim because Barrosa is out of minor-league options. Houston cannot simply send him to Sugar Land if it decides it would rather carry another outfielder; he would have to be exposed to waivers again.
With 18 games remaining and the Astros holding a two-game lead in the AL West, Houston will find out quickly whether Barrosa can help.
Who Is Jorge Barrosa?
Barrosa is a 25-year-old Venezuelan outfielder who has spent parts of three seasons in the majors with Arizona. He is from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, the same city where Jose Altuve was born.
His major-league offensive numbers have been modest. Barrosa has a .180/.241/.302 career slash line with a 50 OPS+ in 254 plate appearances. This season, however, his defense has provided more value. He has played all three outfield positions and recorded three defensive runs saved in 248â…” innings in center field.
That versatility could be particularly attractive to an Astros team that has spent much of the season searching for stability in the outfield. Houston has used 11 different starters in left field and eight in center.
Meyers Heads Back to Sugar Land
The corresponding move sends Meyers back to Triple-A less than a week after Houston recalled him when rosters expanded Sept. 1.
Meyers opened the season as Houston’s center fielder but has struggled offensively, hitting .213 with a .594 OPS when he was recalled last week. The Astros first optioned him to Sugar Land on July 4.
His ability to be optioned gives the Astros roster flexibility they do not have with several of their other outfielders. Barrosa joins a group that includes Daulton Varsho, Nelson Velázquez, Taylor Trammell, and LaMonte Wade Jr., none of whom can be optioned to the minors.
That made Meyers a player Houston could move without risking losing someone on waivers.
Another Change to Houston’s Outfield
The Astros have spent much of the season reshuffling their outfield, and Barrosa becomes the latest addition to the mix.
His offensive track record does not suggest Houston is adding a major bat for the stretch run. Instead, Barrosa gives the Astros a switch hitter who can cover all three outfield positions, with his strongest major-league results coming defensively in center.
And because he is out of options, this is more than a depth acquisition. The Astros have committed an active-roster spot to Barrosa at a point when every spot matters.
Houston is off Monday before beginning a three-game series against Philadelphia on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. The Astros enter the series 73-71 and two games ahead of Texas in the AL West.
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