Outfield Reshuffle
Astros Option Jake Meyers, Joey Loperfido to Triple-A, Reshaping Outfield Mix
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Key Points
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Joey Loperfido has been hitting to a .647 OPS this season and entered the season as Houston's opening-day left fielder; he was optioned to Triple-A when the Astros signed Wade, and was recalled after Wade injured his hamstring in his fourth Houston game.
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LaMonte Wade Jr. was reinstated from the injured list after suffering a hamstring injury in his fourth game with the Astros, prompting the corresponding roster moves.
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Meyers has struggled, spelling his reduced playing time with a .183 average in June, contributing to the Astros’ outfield reshuffle.
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Brice Matthews has posted a .580 OPS this season with three homers, 11 RBIs and one stolen base in 148 plate appearances; he is slated to take on an everyday outfield role at Triple-A.
The Houston Astros optioned outfielder Jake Meyers and Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, overhauling a struggling outfield ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN. The moves came alongside the reinstatement of LaMonte Wade Jr. from the injured list and the recall of infielder Zach Dezenzo.
Meyers, a Gold Glove finalist in 2024, has had a rough 2025. He hit just .183 in June and has posted a career-worst OPS this season, per ABC13. The Astros have seen enough and are turning to other options in center field.
Meyers Falls Behind Trammell and Matthews in Center
Meyers was once Houston's clear starter in center field. But Brice Matthews and Taylor Trammell have taken over those duties this season, according to The New York Times. Meyers simply ran out of playing time.
Matthews has posted a .580 OPS in 148 plate appearances this season, with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and one stolen base. Those numbers are not flashy. But the Astros still want to see him play every day — and they are sending him to Triple-A to get regular reps in the outfield, per ESPN.
Loperfido's Yo-Yo Season Continues with Another Demotion
Joey Loperfido entered 2025 as Houston's Opening Day left fielder. That did not last long. The Astros optioned him to Triple-A when they signed Wade in the offseason. Then Wade hurt his hamstring in just his fourth game with Houston, and Loperfido was recalled, according to The New York Times.
Now Loperfido is headed back down again. He has hit to a .647 OPS this season — below what the Astros need from a corner outfielder. With Wade healthy again, there is no room on the roster for Loperfido right now.
Wade's Return Triggers the Whole Roster Shuffle
LaMonte Wade Jr. was the catalyst for Tuesday's moves. He was reinstated from the injured list after recovering from his hamstring injury, per TSN. That one move forced Houston to clear two spots on the active roster.
The Astros also recalled Zach Dezenzo as part of the four-move shake-up. Houston is clearly still searching for the right outfield mix. The moves show the team is willing to make quick changes when players do not produce at the big-league level.
Houston's Outfield Remains a Work in Progress
The Astros' outfield has been one of the team's weak spots in 2025. Meyers's .183 average in June was a low point for a unit that has underwhelmed all season, according to The New York Times. No clear everyday lineup has emerged in left or center field.
Trammell now appears to be the top option in center field at the major-league level. The Astros are hoping Wade can stabilize a corner outfield spot. But with Meyers and Loperfido both now in Sugar Land, Houston's outfield picture could look very different again by the end of the summer, per ABC13.
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