The Astros have selected the contract of right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, a move that was reported last night. Right-hander Wander Suero was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to open an active roster spot while utility player Cooper Hummel was designated for assignment to open a 40-man spot. Chandler Rome of The Athletic was among those to relay the list of transactions.
Hummel, 29, was just claimed off waivers last week but the Astros have been dealing with a notable roster churn of late. Each of Suero, Arrighetti and Blair Henley have been selected to the 40-man in the past few days, which has squeezed Hummel out of his spot.
It’s been quite a nomadic few months for Hummel, who was with the Mariners in 2023. Since December, he’s gone to the Mets, Giants and Astros via waiver claims or cash deals. It’s possible yet another jersey swap is over the horizon, as the Astros will now have a week to trade him or try to pass him through waivers.
His 227 major league plate appearances have resulted in an unimpressive batting line of .166/.264/.286 but he’s naturally been much better in the minors. From the start of 2021 through the present day, he has 992 Triple-A plate appearances. He has drawn a walk in a huge 17.3% of those while keeping his strikeout rate down to a respectable 21.2% rate. His combined batting line of .287/.419/.488 in that time translates to a wRC+ of 131.
Defensively, Hummel offers a unique level of versatility, having spent significant time behind the plate as well as the outfield corners, first base and even a small amount of time at third base. He also has one option year remaining, which means he can be kept in Triple-A for depth until needed. With less than a year of service time, he’s still not close to qualifying for arbitration or free agency.
That combination of his Triple-A offense, his defensive flexibility and his contract status clearly makes him appealing to clubs, judging by how many of them have tried to grab him since the end of last year. Taking all that into consideration, he may be on the move yet again in the days to come. If he were to finally pass through waivers unclaimed, he would stick with the Astros as non-roster depth, since he has neither the three years of service time nor the previous career outright that would give him the right to elect free agency.
Well, all the ceramics-collecting grandmas will be disappointed.
There goes the Giveaway Promotion the Astros had named “Hummel Figure Night”.
If he makes a slight name change, they could have Hummer Night at the park. I guarantee you a sell out.
0.166 average in 199 at-bats makes him only a Mini-Cooper
Poor guy has been moved so many times in the last two months he may need to add “Suitcase” as his nickname. (Like Harry “Suitcase” Simpson.)
I hope he goes through waivers unclaimed. Seems like he has some potential
Hes 29 his potential is what you see
He may have the same resurgence that a certain player for the Rangers has. Name rhymes with Smarseeya. Below average player for years, then becomes insanely jacked, and all of a sudden hits lots of HRs.
Well, that didn’t work. Is Whitley healthy and throwing yet? Can’t be any worse than these other two jokers.
I really feel for some of these pitchers Henley and Spencer not having their best starts. Nor Suero on 2 pitches gets sent back down. They do have an open spot I think it said. Wonder who will put in that spot. Save it for Verlander
This rotation and more stinks. Many players not great right now. Pena started hot and is cooling down. Alvarez took time but I still think him and Tucker and even Bregman at 2 – 4 spots are not working. Not like in previous years. Bregman at least had his struggles with number 2 or 3 but he did hit better than now.
Chas is even struggling and saw articles he would slip this season. Meyers started fair but even he is going downhill.
Abreu is the WORST right now. Singleton right behind him. Kessinger is sitting but he can’t take first as with that spot we need more production. Dubon even though like him on bench right now may have to come in somewhere. Just do not know what they will do. I thought Espada would be better than this being under Dusty and more. But not sure if our hitting coaches and even Miller stink as coaches this season.
It does not look any better with Brown pitching tomorrow. He may last 2 to 4 innings and think will need 10 from him to spell bullpen.
I doubt we make October this season. We need to pick it up. I had thought maybe were turning things after last 2 wins with Rangers but we can’t even beat the Royals again. They are better this season. But will it last.
But how will Crane feel now with this team just imploding. He did interview on Great Day Houston and was on cloud 9. Said we would have a fantastic season. We didn’t need much during off season. Dana said same. But I think we are going to fall on our faces for a bit. Perhaps back to 100 loss season.
Sadly, Brown lasted 2/3 of an inning.