Houston Astros Add Depth After Making Two Waiver Claims

The Houston Astros decided to add some depth to their organization after making two waiver claims that bring in some players at interesting positions.

Apr 21, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Houston Astros hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Truist Park. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

After some head-scratching struggles for the Houston Astros to start the season, they were able to answer in massive fashion by bludgeoning the Toronto Blue Jays 8-0 in their finale to earn their second win of the year.

Yordan Alvarez was able to get his bat going with a four hit day, two of them for home runs, to go along with three RBI.

That is much needed ahead of the American League Championship Series rematch against their division rival Texas Rangers on the road starting Friday.

But prior to that showdown, the Astros' front office decided to make some roster moves.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, they have claimed veteran reliever Miguel Diaz off waivers. Last part of the Detroit Tigers organization, the right-hander appeared in 15 games over the past two seasons. His career ERA across 87 appearances is 4.84.

Considering how much Houston's bullpen has struggled so far this year, it's not a bad idea to bring in another arm to their pipeline as they weigh all their options about who currently is in Triple-A and they consider different call-ups throughout the long season.

On top of that move, Ari Alexander of KPRC-2 Houston reported they claimed catcher/outfielder Cooper Hummel off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

The 29-year-old appeared in 76 Major League games the past two seasons with two different franchises and has struggled at that level. He's proven to be a fairly solid batter in the minors and gives the Astros more depth.

Based on the current situation of the roster, Diaz has a much better chance of getting called up than Hummel does considering the bullpen struggles that are taking place and how well Yainer Diaz and Victor Caratini have performed.