Astros acquire pitcher Spenser Watkins, move Michael Brantley, José Urquidy to 60-day IL
The Astros added some starting pitching depth in a minor trade Friday, acquiring righthander Spenser Watkins from the Orioles for cash.
Watkins was added to the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros also selected outfielder-first baseman Bligh Madris from Triple-A to the major-league roster to replace catcher César Salazar, who was optioned out Wednesday. Outfielder Michael Brantley and righthander José Urquidy were transferred to the 60-day injured list in corresponding 40-man roster moves.
Watkins, 30, made 30 starts and 39 total outings for the Orioles from 2021-22, posting a 5.85 ERA. He had spent this season at Triple-A affiliate before the Orioles designated him for assignment this week. He offers rotation depth for the Astros, who lost Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. to season-ending injuries and have been without Urquidy since May 1.
Madris, a lefthanded hitter, has played first base and the corner outfield spots this season at Sugar Land, where he has a .249/.363/.446 slash line in 60 games. The 60-day IL moves should not affect the recovery timelines for Brantley or Urquidy. Brantley has not played this season attempting to return from shoulder surgery and so would be eligible to come off the 60-day IL whenever he is ready. Urquidy, who was placed on IL with shoulder discomfort, is throwing bullpen sessions but has yet to begin a minor-league rehab assignment and his build-up would extend beyond the 60-day timeframe.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Astros trade for starting pitcher Spenser WatkinsThe Houston Astros are trading for Baltimore Orioles right-handed starting pitcher Spenser Watkins, according to a team announcement.
Read more »
Mets can’t seem to do anything right in mistake-filled loss to AstrosA game that featured 16 walks, three physical errors and several more mental, a costly outside-the-baselines call and countless mistakes ultimately led to one more Mets loss.
Read more »
Hoornstra: As the Dodgers and Astros scuffle, is MLB’s Superteam Era over?Journalists are said to author the “first draft of history.” As such, we attempt to capture the current era as it emerges, and to call out its defining features in real time. I’ve often thought of …
Read more »
Daniel Vogelbach's 3 RBIs, Pete Alonso's homer not enough as Astros outslug MetsAlex Bregman had three hits and Yainer Diaz and Chas McCormick hit two-run homers to help the Astros outlast the Mets 10-8 on Wednesday to win the three-game series. LGM
Read more »
Astros insider: Corey Julks has all-around impact in win over MetsIn addition to delivering a game-tying single, the rookie outfielder contributed a...
Read more »
Rob Manfred regrets giving MLB players immunity during Astros sign-stealing probeIf MLB commissioner Rob Manfred could do something over, he would like to have handled the Astros sign-stealing scandal a little bit differently.
Read more »