Astros Roster Revamped
Astros Announce Roster Changes: LaMonte Wade Jr. Signed, Collin Price Receives First MLB Call-Up
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The Houston Astros made a flurry of roster moves on June 4, signing veteran outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and promoting catcher Collin Price for his first MLB call-up. Winnipeg Free Press reported the team also designated catcher César Salazar and outfielder Rhylan Thomas for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
The moves come with Houston sitting at 20-30, fourth in the AL West and 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Manager Joe Espada is under mounting pressure to turn the season around — fast.
Wade Brings Left-Handed Bat to Struggling Lineup
LaMonte Wade Jr., 32, agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with Houston, according to The Athletic. He was released by the Chicago White Sox's Triple-A affiliate on June 1 after exercising an opt-out clause. Wade posted a 22.4% walk rate at Triple-A Charlotte this year — nearly double the MLB average.
General Manager Dana Brown had publicly said earlier this season that the team was "still looking for ways to add a left-handed bat," per MLB Trade Rumors. Outside of Yordan Alvarez, Houston's lineup leans heavily right-handed and has struggled with strikeout rates above 32% from several young outfielders.
Collin Price Makes His MLB Debut Behind the Plate
Price, a 2022 sixth-round pick out of Mercer University, gets his first big league shot after a strong stretch at Triple-A Sugar Land. He hit 10 home runs in 47 games there this season, slugging .476, according to Fox 61.
His call-up comes at the expense of César Salazar, who was designated for assignment. Local analysts noted that Salazar's familiarity with Houston's pitching staff was a "security blanket" that the club is now discarding in favor of Price's unproven but more powerful bat.
Loperfido Returns, Then Gets Sent Right Back Down
The Astros also reinstated outfielder Joey Loperfido from the 10-day injured list after a quad strain, per KVUE. But rather than add him to the active roster, Houston immediately optioned him back to Triple-A Sugar Land. Outfielder Zach Cole was also optioned down in the same set of moves.
Loperfido was once the organization's top power prospect. His quick return to the minors suggests the front office wants him to get more at-bats and rebuild confidence after a slow start to the 2026 season.
A Season on the Brink as Espada Faces Scrutiny
Houston missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in nine years. Owner Jim Crane entered 2026 demanding a return to contention. Instead, the team has a losing record and a thin roster after trading top prospect Jacob Melton and losing Framber Valdez to free agency, per Sports Illustrated.
CBS 8 and other outlets note that analysts are split on whether these moves are a smart tactical fix or a sign of desperation. If Wade and Price do not spark a turnaround soon, reports suggest Espada could face termination before the All-Star break.
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