When the MLB trade deadline comes around, the Houston Astros are expected to be involved in multiple trade markets. Houston is looking for a left fielder, a second baseman, and a lefty bat.
With the team interested in adding to multiple positions, there is likely to be plenty of change on the horizon for the Astros’ roster. Those changes could affect multiple players on the roster bubble.
Henry Palattella of Climbing Tal’s Hill named five players with whom the Astros could cut ties as the trade deadline comes to pass. Those five are all on the roster bubble, and with some additions at the trade deadline, could be moved on from.
The five players Palattella mentions are outfielder Taylor Trammel, infielder Zack Short, right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort, second baseman Brendan Rodgers, and right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson.
Of the five, Robertson is more likely to go. After being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in April, he hasn’t made an appearance in a game for Houston, the only reliever on the 40-man roster who applies to.
Ort could also be on his way out, especially if the Astros decide to target more bullpen help as opposed to relying on Ort and his 5.76 ERA this season. Palattella believes the Astros have relied too much on Ort, and the deadline could bring his replacement.
MORE: Astros trade proposal sends top prospect to Rays for All-Star second baseman
Rodgers is one of the more interesting players who could be on his way out of Houston. The former Colorado Rockies player had some hype, but after hitting .191 with the Astros, they could look to part ways after his acquisition didn’t work out.
Short and Trammel are both veteran journeymen who are only temporary additions with the team’s injuries. Once Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Pena, Jacob Melton, Chas McCormick, and Luis Guillorme are back, Short and Trammel are likely on their way out.
Neither is especially bad, nor are they terrible. But, as replacement players, their roster spots aren’t long-term plans. Barring a strong July, both could be on the roster bubble once the injured stars make their return.
And if the Astros land players for their positions, their roster spots are in even more jeopardy. Houston is looking for outfield and infield help, which, in turn, affects both Short and Trammell.
Overall, all five players Palattella lists could be on their way off the roster by the MLB trade deadline. With the Astros getting players back from injury and their likely involvement at the trade deadline, these five players are all on the roster bubble.
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