Astros option Jake Meyers to Triple-A in outfield shakeup
The Houston Astros optioned starting center fielder Jake Meyers to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday in a four-player outfield shuffle that activated LaMonte Wade Jr. from the injured list and recalled Zach Dezenzo. Houston made the moves before a game against Tampa Bay, hoping to spark one of MLB's weakest outfield groups as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Jake Meyers, Houston's Opening Day center fielder, was sent to Triple-A Sugar Land after posting a .580 OPS in 52 games.
- LaMonte Wade Jr. returned from a right hamstring strain; Joey Loperfido was also optioned and Zach Dezenzo was recalled.
- Taylor Trammell and Brice Matthews will platoon in center field while Wade and Dezenzo could share left.
- Manager Joe Espada said the Astros still plan to add an outfield bat before the trade deadline.
- Meyers had been shopped in winter trade talks and may face a non-tender decision after 2026.
Why did the Astros option Jake Meyers to Triple-A?
Meyers opened the season as Houston's everyday center fielder for the fourth straight year, but his bat never recovered. He slashed .206/.264/.316 with a .580 OPS across 52 games, and his numbers dipped further after missing five weeks with a strained right oblique.
Since returning from the injured list on May 19, Meyers hit .192/.238/.293 in 40 games. He went hitless in Friday's loss to the Rays, and manager Joe Espada told reporters the club wants him getting quality at-bats at Sugar Land while the major league roster tries to generate more offense.
What role will LaMonte Wade Jr. play now?
Wade signed with Houston on June 4 after the White Sox released him, then went 4-for-12 with a home run in four games before a right hamstring strain landed him on the injured list June 9. He started Saturday's game in his return and finished 0-for-3.
With Meyers and Joey Loperfido (.647 OPS) both optioned, Wade and Dezenzo could form an unofficial left-field platoon, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Dezenzo pinch-hit for Wade in the seventh inning Saturday and drove in the tying run during Houston's 10-8 walk-off win.
Who replaces Meyers in center field?
Taylor Trammell and Brice Matthews will share center field duties. Trammell has posted a 108 wRC+ over 112 plate appearances, while Matthews has struggled at the plate but offers solid defense across multiple positions.
Cam Smith remains the everyday right fielder, and Yordan Alvarez continues to see most of his time at designated hitter rather than left field to keep him healthy.
What does this mean for Houston's playoff push?
The Astros entered Saturday at 43-47, three games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Their outfield ranks among the worst in the majors in OPS, and Espada acknowledged the club is still looking to add an outfield bat before the Aug. 3 deadline.
For more roster shakeups across sports, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage. Meyers, a 2024 Gold Glove finalist and one of Houston's longest-tenured position players, could still be moved or non-tendered after the season given his $3.55 million salary and declining trade value.