The Astros are planning to select Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston. He has played all over the diamond for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys this season, seeing the bulk of his time at second base, third base, and shortstop. However, his best path to playing time with the Astros will be as a first baseman and occasional corner outfielder and DH. The team will need to make a corresponding move to free up space for Whitcomb on the 40-man roster.
Whitcomb, now 25, joined the Astros organization as the final pick in the shortened 2020 draft. Exclusively a shortstop during his time at UC San Diego, he has also played plenty of second and third base at every level in the minors. In 2024, he began seeing more playing time at first base and the outfield corners, presumably because second base (Jose Altuve), third base (Alex Bregman), and shortstop (Jeremy Peña) are all currently blocked at the big league level. While Whitcomb’s glove might be more valuable at second, third, or short, he has performed well enough at Triple-A this year (25 HR, 26 SB, 122 wRC+) that it’s worth seeing if he can team up with Jon Singleton to make a productive first base platoon. Singleton has played 77 games at first base for the Astros this year, and while he has a 113 wRC+ against right-handed pitching, he is all but unplayable against southpaws (32 wRC+ in 71 PA). The righty-batting Whitcomb has relatively neutral platoon splits at Sugar Land this year, with an .890 OPS against righties and a .979 OPS against lefties.
Earlier this month, Astros GM Dana Brown suggested the team would call up either Zach Dezenzo or Whitcomb to help out at first base. Just two days later, Denzenzo made his MLB debut. While Dezenzo, 24, is a more highly regarded prospect than Whitcomb, the former has had a rough go of it so far with Houston, going just 5-for-25 with a .591 OPS and 64 wRC+. Yet, although Whitcomb’s promotion comes on the heels of Dezenzo’s struggles, manager Joe Espada could still find playing time for both, considering how badly the Astros could use a productive right-handed bat at first and in the outfield.
Surely this means A. Diaz will be DFA’d, but will Whitcomb actually get playing time? Or do you push someone else into that 26th man role that doesn’t get playing time?
Aledmys is 5-11 against Paxton lifetime. If Espada wasn’t going to start him that game, why waste the roster spot?
I think Espada just struggles to find playing time for whomever the 26th guy is. I feel like the 26th guy needs to be a speedy guy but not sure who in organization fits that
Aledmys has not played since we last played Oakland right about time he came up. Paxton is hurt as well. And may not pitch rest of season due to his injury. So Diaz could go if Whitcomb is used in corner outfield even Chas could be out. Dubon not doing a lot. Maybe Meyers picks it up with neither of them by him. But this is 4th player in last couple of months have called up from AAA. One started ok for a short time before being traded. As he had been up/down like 3 times already. Another 2 are with team right now. Leon/Dezenzo. Dezenzo has a couple good games but has tailed. Leon does not look like ready to be here. But if anyone goes I think Diaz myself. You have Verlander maybe returning depending on if gets another start with Sugar Land or something before returning. Tucker could be back soon as well. So whether 2 roster spots there will have to be dropped when they return if not before the September 1st time when rosters can expand.
Paxton got hurt during first inning of start against Astros. My point was if there ever was a time to play Aledmys, it was then; otherwise, release him. Even Kessinger is a better alternative
I do not mind the call up. But calling all these minor players up. First Dezenzo and he started fair. But has tailed off greatly of late. A Diaz would be a good move. You can keep,Dezenzo to spell Bregman perhaps.,Peña has had struggles as well. Guess have given him a new shot. He can play SS but some of his Wild at bats. I do wonder why draft players at positions to move them. But will have to make moves again soon if Verlander is back perhaps for Red Sox or not or Tucker is any time after. Thought might have a shot during homestand. Another player called up Leon has not seen enough time either. Not sure if trying to hard here. But hopefully Whitcomb can help. Joey was up and had moments but was traded and not doing great. I know he was emotional after traded. Hope has not led to his fall. Not sure if Dana wanted to throw him in or Click wanted him. I feel for the kid. But this could be a shot to secure the playoffs. Who knows. All these call ups because the players are tearing it up and you need the offense boost and them to play spots of need and do not pan out.
A. Diaz has not shown anything in his return. Whitcomb is very much like Diaz defensively only he can swing the stick, faster too. Logically that’s the best exchange.
I am curious how lineup will go now with Whitcomb. Does he platoon with Singleton. Leon, Dezenzo how are they used. I know Dezenzo looked good in Arlington. Do not think either have played at MMP so wonder there for them if would work as DH or PH. Do we see less of Chas with outfield or Dubon even too. I know Dezenzo did have a miscue at first the other day. But he has played third as well but for right now Bregman is there. So hopefully see if any of these make the cut for next season. Depending on Bregman as well and Tucker. Tucker I think stays next season to build himself up after missing the time he did this season. But I wish all these boys good luck on the homestand and more. They all have hit great in AAA but up with the big boys is different.
All about fitting pieces to a puzzle for next year; Singleton’s job is open, as likely Bergman’s. An OF spot as well. Owner likely still calling the shots & still stinging for the Abreu signing. Dezenzo and now Whitcomb have an opportunity – not like the Mariners are pressing them for first…
“Yet, although Whitcomb’s promotion comes on the heels of Dezenzo’s struggles, manager Joe Espada could still find playing time for both, considering how badly the Astros could use a productive right-handed bat at first and in the outfield.”
What a mouthful. “Yet” shouldn’t be in there.