The Astros announced to reporters, including Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Joey Loperfido has been officially added to the roster. His imminent promotion was reported over the weekend. In corresponding moves, the club placed infielder Grae Kessinger on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder discomfort and designated right-hander Joel Kuhnel for assignment.
Kuhnel, 29, was acquired from the Reds in a cash deal in June of last year. He was designated for assignment in the offseason and eventually elected free agency, but returned to the Astros on a minor league deal and was selected back to the roster a few weeks ago. He made just one appearance, allowing four earned runs in two innings, before being optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land.
He currently has a 6.30 earned run average in 85 2/3 innings at the major league level. His 19% strikeout rate is below average but his 6.3% walk rate and 52.2% ground ball rate are both quite strong. He’s been in decent form in Triple-A this year, with a 3.18 ERA in 11 1/3 innings, despite pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
The Astros will now have a week to trade Kuhnel or try to pass him through waivers. He still has an option and could therefore be kept in the minors by any club willing to give him a 40-man roster spot. If he were to pass through waivers unclaimed, he would have the right to elect free agency as a player with a previous career outright.
surprised to see jon singleton not get dfa’d
Thus far, Brown has shown zero ability to make successful moves. Singleton on the roster is baffling for many reasons.
Since Abreu and Singleton are both still on the team, makes me wonder if Joey will be playing more OF than 1B? Neither Chas or Meyers has done much with the bat this season. Joey can play OF and 1B so maybe he will rotate around.
I’m sure that’s what they will do, but I’m also sure they have no clue what they are doing. Dana Brown hasn’t proven his worth and Espada has been downright awful in his decisions so far.
I could see abreu limited to at bats against lefties if Loperfido continues to play well.
It was just announced that Abreu is being sent to the spring training site to work on his swing.
Singleton probably is first base backup for now. Rumors are out there Astros could seek Alonso from the Mets. But a lot of moves. Kuhnel, Kessinger hurt, Abreu agreeing to go to Florida to work and better himself. I feel for the guy. No one knew he would come here and have the season he had last season. This season has really been bad for him. A toll on him, the team and more. I respect Abreu and more and I hope he can better himself. I am sure this was not what he was expecting. But hope for the best with him and the team